Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
“Feels Like Destiny” is a pivotal creative statement for pianist and producer Skinny Hightower. Rooted in the spiritual warmth of ‘70s soul and funk shaped by the sophistication of jazz fusion, the album finds Skinny writing with renewed confidence and purpose. Drawing from the musical lineage of Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Herbie Hancock, he carries that musical tradition forward through his distinctive musical voice, rich with Rhodes, deep rhythmic interplay and expressive improvisation.
Chicago-based saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang has been garnering attention as one of the up-and-coming jazz musicians on the scene. His intricate originals weave together lyricism and colorful textures to deliver atmospheric soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from Chicago’s genre-bending creative music scene, Sanglang’s music ranges from contemplative to groove-oriented on his second quartet project, “Waypoints.”
Also this week, Jennifer Madsen’s latest project, “Girl Talk,” places her seasoned vocals at the center of a large ensemble featuring guest artists Sean Jones, Jeff Coffin, and Ryan Keberle; “Mike Jones with Strings” is a tribute to the drummer-less trios of the 1940s and ‘50s, with the pianist joined by guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank recorded live at Vic’s Las Vegas; and critically acclaimed composer and arranger Jon Shapiro delivers again with his Shapiro 17 on “Best Laid Plans.”