With Four Questions, Arturo O’Farrill proves prescient. On his first album of all self-composed pieces, the Grammy-winning pianist shoulders what he calls his “sacred obligation” to counter injustice. The exhilarating Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, O’Farrill’s big-band vehicle, delivers both the pith and the punch of his message.
Personnel: Arturo O’Farrill, Alison Deane, piano; Bobby Porcelli, Ivan Renta, Jeremy Powell, Larry Bustamante, David DeJesus, Peter Brainin, Jason Marshall, saxophone; Bryan Davis, Seneca Black, Adam O’Farrill, John Bailey, David Smith, Jim Seeley, Jonathan Powell, trumpet; Rafi Malkiel, Tokunori Kajiwara, Earl McIntyre, Frank Cohen, trombone, tuba; Gregg August, Ricardo Rodriguez, bass; Tony Rosa, Carly Maldonado, Roland Guerrero, Joe Gonzalez, percussion; Vince Cherico, drums; Dr. Cornel West, Aubrey Johnson, Edda Fransdottir, vocals; Sharon Moe, French horn; DJ Logic, turntables.