Chico Freeman's 2004 Arabesque release
Out of Many Comes the One brings a bit of chillout jazz and sophisticated funk into the mix along with pretty vocals by
Jennifer Hamady, who works up fine ruminations during "Tzivaeri" and "Miss You Like Smoking." The combination of relaxed grooves and elegant vocalizing has plenty in common with the efforts of Detroiters
Wendell Harrison and
Donald Byrd. A seasoned instrumentalist whose artistry is rooted in decades of creative endeavor,
Freeman sounds at his best during "Filaraki" and "Part of Me," which feel like salutations from and for
Yusef Lateef.