No More Apologies (Openmind Records, 2021)

by Damani Phillips

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Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Track number 6 includes a hidden bonus track that starts approximately 10 seconds after "But Beautiful" concludes - so know that the entire album is actually 7 songs, not 6!

Purchasable with gift card

$7 USD or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Physical copy of the new album for folks like me that LOVE having a physical product in hand as you listen!

Includes unlimited streaming of No More Apologies (Openmind Records, 2021) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 2 days

$15 USD or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
OFFER EXCLUSIVELY FOR THOSE THAT PURCHASE A "NO MORE APOLOGIES" CD!

For a limited time (and while supplies last), add any of my prior albums (in CD or download card format) to your N.M.A. CD purchase for only $5. Choose from the following:

1. The String Theory (2010) - my first w/ strings album!
2. The Reckoning (2012) - straight-ahead jazz w/ Lewis Nash, Pat Bianchi and Greg Gisbert
3. Duality (2015) - Double CD: 1 disc straight-ahead and 1 disc of jazz/hip hop
4. Live in Iowa (2018) - Live album recorded in Iowa with P. Bianchi, L. Nash, G. Gisbert.

Please indicate your album (and format) choice in the comments box when you make your order

Includes unlimited streaming of No More Apologies (Openmind Records, 2021) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 2 days

$5 USD or more

1.	So In Love (A Nod to Cannon) 06:52	buy track
2.	Sunset's Last Embrace (Remix) 06:03	buy track
3.	Corcovado (M.J. Version) 07:44	buy track
4.	Hymn (for Trayvon) 05:55	buy track
5.	Midnight Sun (Remix) 08:13	buy track
6.	But Beautiful (+ Bonus Track) 14:01	buy track

about

No More Apologies represents the realization of a longstanding musical dream that began with the recording of my 2010 album “The String Theory”. The reality of working with strings in a jazz context is that the composer/arranger is limited in the musical directions that can be explored. The classical training typical among string players prepares them to play well in that tradition, but customarily leaves them ill-equipped to address the syncopation essential to jazz and other styles derived from African American music culture. This means that jazz composers must either “write around” these weaknesses or learn to accept poorly interpreted syncopation. The latter is the epitome of the phrase “fitting a square peg into a round hole,” resulting in music that is rigid, sounds forced and lacks the characteristic groove that is ever-present in Black music. What would happen if I could find a string section that could legitimately handle swing? What might be possible with strings that negotiate hip hop and funk syncopation in a natural, unforced way? What if I could find a string section that could be an active contributor to a syncopated groove rather than a harmonic layer that floats atop of it? Are these things even possible?! No More Apologies provided the chance to get answers to these musical questions that I’ve been asking myself for the past 12 years.

Best described as an album of Black music rather than a “jazz” album in the traditional sense, No More Apologies is the result of a risky, yet rewarding, musical experiment. A twist of fate brought me together with a one-of-a-kind string section with a uniquely refined understanding of Black music. Without the need to worry about the rhythmic limitations of a typical string group, the music on this album was allowed to go in whatever direction it needed to go. The end result is a stylistic journey through the swingin’, funky, syncopated side of the musical tracks that is difficult to find duplicated in the jazz world. With the help of a stellar jazz rhythm section, No More Apologies is a one of a kind project that embraces the power and reach of music that grooves beautifully. A project of substantial music that grooves hard while remaining down to earth—all the things that great jazz music should strive to be! Kick back, turn up the volume and enjoy the musical ride!

credits

released November 5, 2021

Damani Phillips— Sax, Scat vocals
William Menefield—Piano / Rhodes
Brandon Meeks—Bass
Cassius Goens—Drums

Violin: Sylvia de la Cerna, Lucinda Ali Landing, Edith Yokley, Zara Zaharieva
Viola: Chuck Bontrager, Adjedmaa Ali
Cello: Tahirah Whittington, Najette Abouelhadi

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about

Damani Phillips Iowa

Dr. Damani Philips is a native of Pontiac, MI, and currently serves as head of the Jazz Studies program and Associate Professor of African American Studies at the University of Iowa. An active performer, pedagogue and lecturer, Phillips has performed, taught and lectured throughout the world. ... more