Heart
by Jerome Sabbagh (feat. Al Foster & Joe Martin)
Heart
by Jerome Sabbagh
Label: Analog Tone Factory
Recorded: June 12-13, 2022, at Power Station, New York
Released: August 30, 2024
Tenor saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh takes a bold step forward with Heart, his first album on the newly launched label, Analog Tone Factory. The album, featuring the iconic drummer Al Foster and longtime collaborator Joe Martin on bass, captures an elegant dialogue between three masters of Jazz, each bringing their unique voice to the forefront while creating a cohesive and intimate listening experience.
Sabbagh has been a mainstay on the New York Jazz scene for a while now, and Heart marks a return to the standards that shaped his early musical life. Recorded in pristine analog sound with no edits or overdubs, the album exudes warmth and immediacy, drawing the listener into the nuanced interplay between these three musicians. Foster’s cymbal work and rhythmic sensitivity shine throughout, while Martin’s harmonic flexibility and deep, resonant tone anchor the trio with a sense of effortless grace.
The album kicks off with a laid-back meditative take on Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss,” where Sabbagh’s saxophone gently whispers the melody, allowing Foster’s shimmering drumming to take center stage. The trio moves through classic standards like “Gone with the Wind” and “When Lights Are Low,” imbuing them with a freshness and spontaneity that comes from years of shared trust and mutual respect. Sabbagh’s original composition, the title track “Heart,” showcases his soulful phrasing in a waltz that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and wholly modern.
Beyond the standards, Heart features two improvisational pieces—“Lead the Way” and “Right the First Time”—which allow the trio to stretch their creative boundaries. Foster, known for his impeccable timekeeping, explores new territory with free improvisation, adding an extra layer of excitement to the album. The all-analog production captures every subtle nuance, making Heart not only a sonic delight but also a masterclass in trio interaction and Jazz storytelling
Personnel
Jerome Sabbagh • tenor saxophone
Joe Martin • bass
Al Foster • drums