Dara, Olu - In the World: From Natchez to New York (2026 Reissue)

Critics everywhere agreed that Olu Dara’s In the World: From Natchez to New York was one of 1998’s best albums. The only problem was, in what category? Jazz? Dara came to this album with impeccable credentials in the genre, having played with David Murray, James “Blood” Ulmer, Henry Threadgill, and Don Pullen. However, though Dara does flash his burnished cornet tone on occasion, he is more often picking on guitar as opposed to blowing on trumpet on this record. And while there is definitely some of that arpeggiated African guitar sound to his playing, it would be a stretch to call In the World a “world music” release.

No, in the end, this is a country blues album from the urban jungle, an utterly charming, all-in-one tour of Natchez and New York with maybe Nairobi thrown in there, with a little extra urban flavor courtesy of Dara’s rapper son, Nas, who contributes vocals to “Jungle Jay.” Highly recommended!