Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Grammy-winning pianist and composer Zaccai Curtis returns with “Sonoluminescence, “Vol. 1.” The record marks a distinct turn in Curtis’ artistic evolution which finds him evolving from an Afro-Cuban focus into a wider sonic landscape, rooted in the textures and grooves of 1970s jazz and funk while pushing confidently into modern territory. One of the hallmarks of his compositional approach on the disc is his method of placing traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythmic concepts in unexpected parts of the ensemble, resulting in music that is rhythmically intricate beneath the surface while remaining natural and grounded on top.
The Amstel Jazz Ensemble consists of faculty members from the University of Delaware, named after the street in Newark, DE, on which the music building can be found. “First State Blues” is the debut album from the group, which has been in existence for decades and has seen many members pass through over the years. The disc includes a set of tunes written by one of jazz’s giants and Delaware native son, Clifford Brown, along with originals by the band inspired by the state’s beaches, forests and waterways.
Also this week, bassist and composer John Pachnos offers up a program of originals on his self-titled debut album; alto saxophonist and composer Mike DiRubbo recorded “Way Out Northwest” in Vancouver with a powerhouse local rhythm section including Tilden Webb on piano, Jodi Proznick on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums; and The Holland Court Jazz Trio releases “Inverted Tango,” which refers to a technique in the traditional Argentine dance form in which the roles of leader and follower are switched. The trio takes inspiration in the reversal of roles, pressing beyond their familiar comfort zones in pursuit of a fresh new sound.