The Week In Jazz Sketches!
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Hi there,
Welcome back to another edition of The Week In Jazz Sketches! Just a reminder, you might not see the entire newsletter in your email. Just click the title to view the full version on the blog.
Alright, let’s kick this off! Here’s a roundup of the albums we’re featuring on the blog this week:
Alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan’s debut album, Among Giants, is a bold statement, not just for the sheer prowess of her playing but for the legacy it honors. With a lineup that includes legends like drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, pianist Marc Cary, and bassist Nat Reeves, Hanahan makes it clear that she's both a student and a torchbearer of Jazz’s grand tradition. From the first notes of this eight-track record, it’s apparent that she’s more than ready to stand among the very giants she’s invoking.
On Breaking Stretch, Patricia Brennan takes yet another bold step forward, reaffirming her place as one of Jazz’s most innovative voices. This adventurous third album continues Brennan’s expansive exploration of rhythm, sound, and cultural identity, bringing together a stellar septet that includes Jon Irabagon on sax, Mark Shim on tenor sax, Adam O'Farrill on trumpet, Kim Cass on bass, Marcus Gilmore on drums, and Mauricio Herrera on percussion. The result is an intricate, immersive blend of Jazz, contemporary classical, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and folkloric Mexican influences.
The impending release of The Old Country: More From The Deer Head Inn offers a new glimpse into a legendary night from 1992, when Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Paul Motian came together in a rare, one-time-only performance.
Recorded in the intimate confines of the historic Deer Head Inn, nestled in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, the album revisits a storied chapter in Jazz history. Jarrett, who had first performed at the venue as a 16-year-old in 1961, returned to its stage three decades later, bringing together two long-time collaborators for a night that still echoes in Jazz lore. It’s an evening captured with all the warmth and spontaneity that characterizes great live Jazz: no promotion, word-of-mouth buzz, and a packed house of listeners both inside and straining to hear from the porch outside.
Wayne Escoffery’s Alone is a striking portrait of isolation, both personal and musical, born from a difficult chapter in the tenor saxophonist's life.
The album’s minimalism is its core strength, inviting the listener into a quiet, reflective atmosphere. This meditative quality is shared by Escoffery’s ensemble—Gerald Clayton on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Carl Allen on drums—whose sensitive interplay allows Escoffery’s rich, lyrical tone to remain at the center of the experience. The opening track, Moments With You, sets the mood with its delicate balladry, giving the impression of intimacy that’s more about connection than romance. The title track, Alone, carries a similarly subdued vibe, evoking the tension and melancholy of solitude while never becoming overwrought.
Tord Gustavsen’s Seeing marks a significant milestone in his musical journey. It's his 10th release on ECM Records, which shows how much he values his ongoing collaboration with the label. This latest album builds on the success of his acclaimed trio recordings, a series that began with Changing Places in 2003, now considered a classic. On Seeing, Gustavsen returns with long-time collaborator Jarle Vespestad on drums and new trio member Steinar Raknes on double bass, exploring an intricate blend of Jazz, blues, gospel, Scandinavian folk, and church music.
On October 25, 2024, ECM will release two highly anticipated albums, Amaryllis by Marilyn Crispell and An Acrobat’s Heart by Annette Peacock, as part of its Luminessence series, a collection designed for audiophiles. Both albums highlight distinct yet equally captivating musical visions from two trailblazing artists on the fringes of Jazz.
Renee Rosnes’ passion for Brazilian music reaches its zenith on Crossing Paths, her latest project for Smoke Sessions Records, set for release on December 6, 2024. This album sees Rosnes and an exceptional group of musicians reimagining classic Brazilian compositions, blending the rhythms of samba, bossa nova, and frevo with modern Jazz sensibilities. Featuring an impressive roster of both American and Brazilian musicians, including Chris Potter, Steve Davis, Chico Pinheiro, and Maucha Adnet, Crossing Paths celebrates the music of Brazil’s most iconic composers.
Deep Digs Music, led by Zev Feldman, has unveiled a treasure for Blues enthusiasts with the release of In France: Live at the 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival, a previously unheard live recording by the legendary B.B. King.
The release is especially significant as it marks an undocumented phase following the disbanding of King’s classic group, Sonny Freeman and the Kingpins. This recording offers a rare glimpse into King’s live work from the late '70s, featuring extended solos and dynamic performances of staples like “Sweet Black Angel” and “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” all while reaffirming his stature as a master of the Blues.
That’s it for now. Thanks for tuning in, see you next week!
Best,
Jazz Sketches