By Shaun Brady, Jazz Philadelphia When trumpeter Alonzo Demetrius arrived at Berklee College of Music in the fall of 2014, he expected to have his musical world opened up to new pathways. What came as a surprise is the way the school broadened his political thinking as well. Read more here.
by Ayana Contreras, Downbeat “Trumpeter Alonzo Demetrius’ thirst for social justice is evident on his leader debut, Live From The Prison Nation. “Movements transform people from individuals to a collective”: Those words from journalist and activist Mumia Abu-Jamal are incorporated into “Mumia’s Guidance,” an ambitious, nine-minute track on the album. The disc reflects many lessons … Read More
By Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise Although recorded in concert at Berklee, the primary statement from newcomer Alonzo Demetris is that this beacon of musical education is not about incarceration, regardless of how tough rehearsal regimes may be. Instead, he is referring to the soul-destroying phenomenon of the ‘prison industrial complex’, which has notoriously exploited African-Americans … Read More
By Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine Whoever says jazz is dead clearly has not heard Alonzo Demetrius. The young trumpeter not only has language on the instrument and paired it with electronic effects, but he is also an amazing composer. His live recording “Live from the Prison Nation” is as real as it gets. The performance … Read More
By delarue, New York Music Daily As grassroots resistance against the lockdown gains momentum and more parts of the country declare themselves free territory, we will soon have unprecedented opportunities to remake our world. As lockdowner governors are voted out and driven from office, we will have plenty of chances to give force of law … Read More
By Jeremy Smith, Last Row Music By opening the album with spoken word from Angela Davis’ Eric Williams Memorial Lecture in 2003, trumpeter Alonzo Demetrius and his group The Ego lay the groundwork for a sonic boom that will leave a lasting impact on listeners. Read more here.
Reviews by Étienne Dorsay, Fred Goaty, Philippe Vincent, Vincent Cotro, and Noadya Amoux, Jazz Magazine The upcoming December/January issue of Jazz Magazine will include album reviews for Dave Brubeck, Aaron Burnett, Sarah Elizabeth Charles & Jarrett Cherner, Miki Yamanaka, The Royal Bopsters, and Alonzo Demetrius. Read in the December/January 2020/2021 upcoming issue of Jazz Magazine.
By Dee Dee McNeil, Musicalmemoirs’s Blog During these tumultuous times of mask wearing, hand sanitizer used like a hand lotion, alcohol bottles absent from store shelves and having to distance from friends and loved ones, here is some pleasing and relaxing music to sooth our souls. Read more here.
By Brenda Nelson-Strauss, Black Grooves On his debut album, Live from the Prison Nation, trumpeter Alonzo Demetrius strives for an educational as well as a musical experience. Expressing a sense of urgency, he hopes to inspire listeners into taking action against the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC). Read this review here.
by Dave Cantor, DownBeat Magazine Live From The Prison Nation ranks as Alonzo Demetrius’ leader debut, an album that finds the trumpeter angling for a space somewhere between the smooth and thoughtful tones of Theo Croker, and the driving precision of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. Read the full review here.
