Israel Annoh

Barry Deister Quintet: An African Suite

by Scott Lichtman
March 12, 2025

It is not uncommon for jazz artists to borrow from world music to enliven their pieces--adding a dash of spice as it were. It is even rarer (with Latin jazz being an exception) for musicians to dive deeply into indigenous music forms and deliver an authentic, integrated sonic concept. Most unique are album-length projects that successfully meld genres while delivering an ear-pleasing, swinging whole. In this most special category comes An African Suite, a remarkable album from Barry ...