Immigration Nation

Charlie Porter's "Immigration Nation" is a two-part hardbop suite with a political message in the style of Wynton Marsalis. In the twelve original compositions he celebrates America's tradition as a nation of immigrants. The frontline consists of Porter with his warm, full trumpet sound and the fiery alto saxophonist Nick Biello, who can be heard here for the first time on the tenor saxophone. The melody lines have a New Orleans character and are supported by dark piano/bass ostinati and polyrhythmic grooves by drummer Salters. Porter's compositions are powerful and catchy vehicles for soloistic flights of fancy like on "Flight" or "The Privileged Few". Porter, who is trained and award-winning in both classical and jazz, combines influences from swing, jazz, funk, New Orleans, Afro-Cuba and classical music. For the final number "Chant", Porter brought together social me contributions from musicians all over the world to create a song collage. A great album with message and concept, and inspired solo contributions from all musicians.