Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra: Alkebulan

OUTSIDE IN MUSIC (RELEASED MARCH 20, 2026)

Alkebulan is nothing like Alkebulan. Let me explain. In 1972, Strata-East Records released Alkebulan, Land of the Blacks, a recording that featured musicians such pianist Stanley Cowell, percussionist Mtume, saxophonist Gary Bartz and others. Now comes Javier Nero’s Jazz Orchestra with Alkebulan and any similarity between these two releases, 54 years apart, ends with the title. The Strata-East session is often cited as a landmark of 1970s Black Nationalism, combining free-improvisation, Afro-Spiritualism, and political spoken word. As he explains, Nero’s Alkebulan dives into his diasporic roots while maintaining an optimistic outlook of cultural unity for the future. Although Nero’s Alkebulan may lack the grit and attitude of the Strata-East session, it is packed with strong arrangements and compelling solos from regular members of the Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra such as pianist Alex Brown, guitarist Shawn Purcell, saxophonists Lucas Pino and Clay Pritchard as well as guests such as trumpeter Randy Brecker, vibraphonist Warren Wolf and trumpeter Sean Jones. Nero also features two vocalists — Veronica Swift on “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise,” and Nicole Zuraitis on “Devil May Care.” All in all, Alkebulan is a solid modern big band recording with lots of variety — from the cinematic inspired title track and “Make It So,” which opens with a lush horn chorale; to meticulously arranged ballads such as “Radiant Flower” and “Ayla;” to the Latin grooves of “The Fourth Dimension” and “Seminole.” The music of Alkebulan speaks to Nero’s influences ranging from the early jazz of Duke Ellington to the modern sounds of the Pat Metheny Group and the Brecker Brothers. It is unfortunate, however, that Nero chose the title Alkebulan for his second jazz orchestra release. I was expecting a much stronger political and musical statement based on that title and some of Nero’s comments. Despite that, Nero’s Alkebulan does deliver a strong musical statement from an arranger and bandleader who deserves to be heard.

BOTTOM LINE: Fans of modern large jazz ensembles will want to check out Javier Nero’s Alkebulan. It’s packed with strong arrangements and compelling solos from regular members of Nero’s Jazz Orchestra as well as special guests. But don’t be fooled by the title, this Alkebulan bears no rememblance to the power and message of the 1975 Strata-East record of the same title.