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Drummer Snorre Kirk, originally from Norway but long based in Demark, has earned a strong reputation for his elegant percussion work, original compositions, and deep connection to tradition. When he first heard reedman Giacomo Smith in London, he knew he’d found a kindred spirit. Their collaboration started in 2019 and by 2023, their quartet with pianist Joe Webb and Danish bassist Anders Fjeldsted took shape—and is now Kirk’s primary project. “What a Day!” is their first release together, and Kirk’s eighth album as a leader.
Clarinetist Giacomo Smith was born in Italy and raised in upstate New York, where his mother’s love of Dave Brubeck sparked a lifelong passion for jazz. His love for Jazz Manouche was ignited in college after hearing a Django Reinhardt album featuring clarinetist Hubert Rostaing, leading to years of exploration of the genre. This journey eventually brought him to guitarist Mozes Rosenberg, who is a direct heir of Reinhardt. Together, they form a group that celebrates Django’s spirit without imitation. Their debut release, “Manouche,” is a vibrant tribute that channels tradition while speaking in a fresh new voice.
Also this week, pianist and composer Bob Schlesinger unveils his highly anticipated debut as a leader, “Falling from Earth,” featuring an all-star lineup including Mike Stern, Billy Drummond and Eddie Gomez, among others; “Nolasia” is the self-titled album from the New Orleans duo of Dj Smith on the bansuri and Idak on guitar, creating a unique combination of jazz and Eastern influences; and Cellar Records boss Cory Weeds returns with another fine recording, backed up by the dependently swinging rhythm section of frequent Cellar players alongside the famously big horn of Jerry Weldon on “Cory Weeds Meets Jerry Weldon.”