Elements of folk, pop, and world music animate Nori, but at heart, this Austin quintet grooves ever so gently with the unmistakable spirit of jazz. They come by this distinction honestly with singer Akina Adderley, granddaughter and grand niece of jazz royalists Nat and Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, respectively. Trumpeter Erik Telford, meanwhile, has been a creative force on the local scene for years. Add in pianist Nick Litterski, who’s particularly effective on the Fender Rhodes, bassist Aaron Allen, and drummer Andy Beaudoin, and the band plies a subtle and at times a delicate, almost late-night ambience. Interestingly, the Korean strains of “Lullaby” ride the glide of Mongo Santamaria’s Afro-Cuban chestnut “Afro Blue,” and echoes of South African Hugh Masekela’s soulfulness lilt “Arirang” in Telford’s beautifully understated solo. Adderley also pays homage to Nina Simone on “Plain Gold Ring.” More, please.
This article appears in September 9 • 2016.
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