Constitution, the expansive double album by South African drummer Asher Gamedze and his ten-piece ensemble, The Black Lungs, is a bold and profound exploration of musical and philosophical themes. Released by International Anthem, Constitution was recorded in a single day at Cape Town’s Sound and Motion Studios and is a fellowship of sound, thought, and breath. As a follow-up to Gamedze’s acclaimed 2023 release, Turbulence and Pulse, and his first project with The Black Lungs, Constitution stands as a testament to Gamedze’s expansive artistic vision. Gamedze’s drumming serves as the heartbeat, anchoring the ensemble alongside Ru Slayen’s varied percussion, Sean Sanby’s grounding bass, and Nobuhle Ashanti’s expressive piano. These core elements create a strong foundation upon which a vibrant array of horns and voices build intricate musical conversations. Tumi Pheko’s cornet, Garth Erasmus’ alto saxophone, Jed Petersen’s tenor saxophone, Athi Ngcaba’s trombone, and Tina Mene’s haunting vocals intertwine with the resonant spoken word of Fred Moten, whose poetry adds a layer of depth and critical inquiry to the album.
“Determining Facts” stands out as one of the album’s most powerful tracks, showcasing the ensemble’s tight cohesion and Gamedze’s innovative approach to composition. The track is a whirlwind of emotional intensity, as Pheko’s cornet and Erasmus’ alto saxophone deliver soaring, impassioned solos. The piece builds in layers, its dynamic shifts and intricate interplay capturing the essence of the album’s theme: the pursuit of meaning through collective struggle and unity. The album’s titular track, “Constitution,” is an expansive, 40-minute epic that serves as both a microcosm of the album and a standalone masterpiece. It begins with Ashanti’s piano, whose rolling phrases set the stage for an evolving narrative. The piece unfolds through various movements, driven by the horns’ call-and-response, which create a dialogic framework. Erasmus and Petersen’s saxophones take the lead, exploring ascending riffs and pushing the music to higher and higher levels of intensity. Gamedze’s drumming and Slayen’s percussive textures provide the rhythmic backbone, ensuring the composition’s force and momentum. “Constitution” is a journey through sound, capturing the struggle to rise, confront challenges, and find new meanings through the collective creation of music.
As a whole, Constitution is a monumental work, both in its length and its depth. The album is a cohesive and immersive experience that rewards repeated listening, with each session revealing new layers and insights. Constitution is not just an album; it is a profound statement of artistic and social significance. Through its exploration of sound and community, Gamedze and The Black Lungs challenge listeners to think deeply about the possibilities of collective expression and resistance. This album solidifies Asher Gamedze’s place as a vital figure in contemporary jazz, blending historical influences with innovative approaches to create music that is both a reflection and an instigation of thought. With Constitution, Gamedze emerges not just as a drummer or composer but as a thinker and leader, guiding us through a powerful journey of sound and meaning.
