On March 1st, 2021, the light shone a little less bright as the great legend, Ralph Peterson Jr. made his transition. Ralph was not only a consummate artist of the highest level but an amazing human being who was vibrant and full of life. His playing career spanned over 35 years, and the impact he made on education has been and continues to be monumental. There are no words to describe what his loss means to the world of jazz. For the musicians, fans, and students, he is simply irreplaceable. For his family, I know they mourn the loss of a father, husband, brother, cousin, and much more. Our thoughts are with them and will continue to be with them. Ralph knew his time on this earth was coming to a close, and I cannot imagine the thoughts that could have been going through his mind as he faced his fate head-on, but he was a person not to shy away from the truth and he expressed the totality of his truth in this final recording. I remember the first time hearing this music I was filled with mixed emotions, knowing it would be his last recording. It brought me joy, sorrow, gratitude, amazement, and a sense of reverence that he was able to create such magnificent work in his last days. Ralph left nothing in the tank… he gave EVERYTHING he had to the world, and for that, we should be eternally grateful. Anyone who knew him knew he was larger than life, and, while it might be cliche to say it, I believe he lives on through his music. Ralph, thank you for your wisdom and gift of music. I hope everyone will enjoy the final gift you left for us. Rest easy, maestro.
-Darryl Yokley
We still mourn the death of Ralph Peterson and, while the master drummer may have left us, he did leave us one final gem. ‘Raise Up Off Me’ is the opus magnum of what was an incredible career. Peterson combines forces with his Triangular Band, comprising the Curtis Brothers, Zaccai Curtis on piano, and Luques Curtis on bass, and the album featured special guests Jazzmeia Horn and Eguie Castrillo. Liner notes from his long-time collaborator Orrin Evans are the icing on the cake of the incredible work.
The title track starts us on our journey and has a spiritual aura to it. The use of the tone drum, rain stick, and other auxiliary percussion used has all been done by Ralph Peterson himself. The history that Ralph and the Curtis Brothers share is clear from the onset– teacher and sensei having one mind. The opening is mysterious, carrying with it both an unsettling feeling as well as moments of serenity. The tune finally unfolds and settles into its groove and starts to float upstream taking us into bliss. Zaccai’s imaginative rhythmical and linear figures are full of imagination, and the music seems to float amongst the clouds at times. Peterson and Luques combine to provide a colorful backdrop for the piano to paint against and this opening track sets the stage for the rest of the album. This opening track is inspired by the tragic death of George Floyd. Being an advocate for social justice is something Peterson is no stranger to. This segues into the next track on the album which is aptly titled, The Right to Live. With a driving declaratory spirit to it, it has a sense of determination, much like the disenfranchised people in this country – namely people of color who are literally having to fight for the right to live.
Peterson’s solo is profound, powerful, and clearly states what he wants to say. Things get a little twisted and playful with Four Play. The title itself is a play on words, and the group takes much joy in pushing the boundaries and playing off each other’s ideas. Among the many songs filled with strong emotion, the ballad, I Want to Be There For You definitely will make one hard-pressed not shed a tear or two, and well up. Perhaps it’s the circumstances of the grandmasters’ passing that makes one reflect all the more when listening to this song. Luques’ solo is tasteful and sensitive to the mood of the song, fitting within the overall arc of the piece.
A believer in tradition, homage is paid to Bud Powell in the composition Bouncing with Bud. As a disciple of Bud Powell, the tune fits Zaccai’s style of playing perfectly and he takes like a fish to water on this tune. Equally impressive are the lines his brother walks behind him, before taking an amazing solo in his own right. Peterson, as always, seems to be a blanket that wraps everything together and makes it all gel together.
He completes the trio of solos with his own breathtaking solo, which slingshots the music around the moon and back to the top, and they take it out from there!
Blue Hughes is the first composition ever by Ralph Peterson and it seems to be a perfect tune to include in his final recording. It shows Peterson’s affinity for Latin jazz and its catchy melody will no doubt stay with listeners just as much as Peterson’s memory will with the world of music! Zaccai and Luques, who are most undoubtedly very much at home playing in all styles of Latin jazz, enrich this tune and make it feel so good. One can almost see the smile on Peterson’s face as he is soloing over the montuno at the end.
The second ballad on this record features Jazzmeia Horn and is entitled, Tears I Cannot Hide. Peterson worked with and revered Betty Carter, which led to this collaboration with Horn, who has studied Betty Carter extensively. It should also be noted that Horn wrote the lyrics for this tune, which Peterson went on record “singing” her praises (no pun intended). Despite the somber feeling this tune gives, it is also filled with love and optimism. Horn joins the band again on Naima’s Love Song, which is a tribute to his jazz daughter. Filled with the love that only a father can show to a daughter the affection is unconditionally felt and heard. Jodi is a medium tempo tune that starts in straight swinging fashion and has some amazing playing by the entire ensemble. It ends as a pocket groove with Zaccai trading off and on between piano and Rhodes, before reprising the melody one last time. Peterson pays homage to the country with the most African’s in the world outside of Africa, which is Brazil.
Peterson showcases his knowledge of this style of music as he goes back and does all the overdubbing of the percussion on his own. He truly was a conscientious artist who always was striving to learn more and we can see it here. The solo taken on this is one of the most tasteful drum solos ever taken, in my opinion. Shortie’s Portion is an uptempo tune that is fully charged with energy that it blasts off! A bit reminiscent of the Art of War at times, it definitely still has its own character and yet one can tell it’s a Ralph Peterson too. The final selection brings everything full circle as the album ends with Raise up off me, too! The composition, much like Peterson, has evolved since the start and while the identity is still there we cannot help but be aware of its metamorphosis. Solos by all three members of the band give us one of the final glimpses of this amazing trio. What they were doing as an ensemble was otherworldly and it is a shame the maestro passed too soon, but his legacy will definitely live on through the Curtis brothers, with whom he shared so much of his knowledge and self. While this is the end of the official album, there is a bonus track entitled Please Do Something featuring Jazzmeia Horn once again.
While I didn’t know Ralph Peterson personally, from what I’ve been told about him he wouldn’t want us to be forever sad of his passing, which is possibly why he chose to end the album with this lighthearted tune that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. For this, I think we should all be appreciative of the thoughtful person he was, and we must be thankful we have this last recording to remember him by, alongside his impressive body of work. Thank you Ralph Peterson Jr. for everything you have given us…. Onward and Upward!!
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