Da-Da

Da-Da is an album by the American saxophonist Arthur Blythe, released in 1986.^[2][3] Its title came from Blythe's son.^[4]

Da-Da
Studio album by Arthur Blythe
Released	1986
Studio	Sound Ideas Studios
Genre	Jazz
Length	34:24
Label	Columbia[1]
Producer	Arthur Blythe (all tracks), Bruce Purse (track 2), Vincent Henry (tracks 2 and 3)
Arthur Blythe chronology
Put Sunshine in It (1984) Da-Da (1986) Basic Blythe (1987)

Production

The album was coproduced by Bruce Purse.^[5] Blythe made heavy use of synthesizers.^[6] He considered some of the songs a return to the dance and blues styles of his youth.^[7] Olu Dara played cornet.^[8] John Hicks played piano.^[4] "After Paris" is a version of the Roland Hanna song; "Crescent" is an interpretation of the John Coltrane song.^[9][10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[11]
Robert Christgau	B[12]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[13]

Robert Christgau wrote that "Blythe is a major musician and except for one piece of dinky funk this passes pleasantly enough, but its conceptual confusion epitomizes jazz's commercial impasse."^[12] The Ottawa Citizen stated that Blythe "can range freely from boppish lines through to free form and funk, with intermediate stops to sample the ideas of John Coltrane, Mid-East tonalities, gospel roots and latin rhythms."^[9]

The Sun-Sentinel deemed Da-Da "a multifaceted and perfectly balanced recording steeped in the essence of jazz."^[14] The Omaha World-Herald concluded that "Dara's contributions show that he continues to be a promising talent deserving of his own leadership date."^[15]

AllMusic wrote that "'Splain Thang', with its electronic rhythms, is a bit commercial but Bob Stewart's crazy electric tuba solo holds one's interest."^[11]

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Odessa"	7:32
2.	"Splain Thang"	5:32
3.	"Esquinas (Corners)"	4:55
4.	"Crescent"	6:34
5.	"Break Tune"	5:39
6.	"After Paris"	4:11

References

1. Thompson, Dave (April 2, 2019). Goldmine Record Album Price Guide. Penguin.
2. Miller, Mark (5 June 1986). "Da-Da Arthur Blythe". The Globe and Mail. p. C5.
3. Varga, George (June 8, 1986). "Eclectic jazzman Blythe coming 'home' with Leaders". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. E3.
4. "Hank Crawford & Dr. John". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
5. "For the Record". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 18. May 10, 1986. p. 84.
6. Quill, Greg (14 Nov 1986). "Blythe probing limits of jazz". Toronto Star. p. D12.
7. Emerson, Bo (June 3, 1988). "Blythe Spirit – Alto saxophonist is at ease with all black music forms". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. P1.
8. McClary, Eric (May 25, 1986). "Jazz". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 8E.
9. Moody, Lois (27 June 1986). "Arthur Blythe Da-Da". Ottawa Citizen. p. F5.
10. Hadekel, Peter (31 July 1986). "The mark of an accomplished jazz soloist...". The Gazette. Montreal. p. B5.
11. "Arthur Blythe Da-Da". AllMusic.
12. "Arthur Blythe". Robert Christgau.
13. Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 1. MUZE. p. 718.
14. Sleight, Peter (June 1, 1986). "Arthur Blythe, who has always perched blithely on the edge of the avant-garde...". Sun-Sentinel. p. 3G.
15. Smith, Will (July 20, 1986). "Saxist Blythe Returns In Satisfying Collection". Entertainment. Omaha World-Herald.