(Akua’s Music)

Akua Dixon boldly goes where few practitioners of the cello have gone. On her self-titled sophomore release, the classically-trained Dixon presents the cello in some musical contexts we haven’t much heard before and demonstrates the versatility of the instrument in the hands of a talented artist. Dixon makes the music swing, when needed, in a work of great musical range. Within the song list here are compositions by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Richard Rodgers, Charles Mingus, Israel Lopez and Astor Piazolla. Dixon’s working string quartet of Patrisa Tomassini on first violin, Gwen Laster and Chala Yancy on second violin, alternately, and Ina Paris on viola join her throughout the effort. Special guests bassist Kenny Davis and violinist Regina Carter. The outstanding production also features the late violin master John Blake Jr., in one of his final recordings. Singer Andromeda Turre and Dixon contribute vocals to two of the tracks, adding more color to the project. This brilliantly conceived and executed musical endeavor is really worth checking out.