Appearing in the early 1980s at a time when some of jazz was refocusing on some of its historic values, Kenny Garrett was the first to show, through the dramatic intensity of his playing, that the alto could once again compete with the tenor saxophone, the instrument par excellence of the quest for jazz since John Coltrane, a musician whose influence he loudly and clearly claims.

“Sounds from the Ancestors” his latest album, reflects the rich history of jazz, R&B and gospel music from the saxophonist’s hometown of Detroit. But more importantly, it also has a modern cosmopolitan vibe, including music from France, Cuba, Nigeria and Guadeloupe.