“There is no hyperbole in the title 400: An Afrikan Epic; it is work of significant importance, a spiritual fact-finding mission that plays out as an impressive, multilayered historical soundtrack. As a percussionist, Lomax is striking, carrying out solos and all-percussion tracks in a style that is primal yet intricately sophisticated. His duo, trio and quartet are long-time associates—outstanding musicians, well-aligned with the leader. As a composer, Lomax is a visionary who incorporates all the key benchmarks of jazz, from West Afrikan roots, to gradations of bop and on to progressive jazz extensions. The degree to which a listener absorbs the social message at the heart of this music is a matter of choice but the music on its own is full of history and looming possibilities. The vast majority of compositions and improvisations that makes up 400: An Afrikan Epic are essential listening and highly recommended.”- Karl Ackerman (All About Jazz)
Now you can purchase the complete 400: An Afrikan Epic bundle featuring the full 12-album cycle, The 400 Years Suite (live recording), the 400: An Afrikan Epic Curriculum Guide, and the 400 Documentary, a $150 value for just $129.99!! Get yours now!
“[T]hat is really what distinguishes this collection and Lomax’s approach in general. Whether it is driving the rhythm or front and center, the drumbeat is the heart of this music. Everything, the violins, the piano, the sax and bass dance around it. In ways, it is as if Lomax is excavating a Black diasporic tradition wherein the West African pulse remained the defining feature of the music’s development. And despite his reverence for outre percussionists such as Murray, Lomax seems to be returning to that wandering but relentless percussive thud that much free jazz abandoned. In doing so, he is pushing the music not “out there” to the fringe, but rather forward.“ - Nick Ostrum (Free Jazz Collective)
Sample the transformative work of prolific drummer and composer Dr. Lomax with this six album bundle featuring work from the Urban Art Ensemble, The Mark Lomax Quartet, The Mark Lomax Trio, the Ogún Meji duo, and Dr. Lomax on solo drum set. (Download Only)
“Lomax’s melodious and moving drumming—which conjures Elvin Jones’ riveting, Afro-polyrhythmic pulsations, Max Roach’s bopping brilliance, and Tony Williams’ volcanic power—is supported by Hulett’s bone-deep baselines, Menefield’s McCoy Tyler-indebted pianism, and Bayard’s own takes on Coltrane’s “sheets of sound”.” - Eugene Holley, Jr — Chamber Music America
