Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
The minivan: a timeless icon that evokes memories ranging from little-league baseball games to nationwide music tours. “Square Peg” is bassist and composer Mark Godfrey’s first full-length album, and it hits harder than the sliding door on your family caravan. Named the 2019 Emerging Jazz Artist by the Toronto Arts Foundation, Mark has firmly secured himself in the fabcallecasdfric of the jazz idiom in Canada. The disc is a collection of compositions that span four years of Mark’s life during which he found himself living in Toronto and New York. Naturally, the most efficient form of travel between the two cities with a double bass was his 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The reflection that occurred during these drives sparked creativity and ideas that ultimately resulted in the new album.
Jeremy Pelt’s unquenchable curiosity has mcaade him one of the most multi-faceted of jazz artists. Whether it be as a leader, a sideman, an accompanist or a composer, Pelt has investigated nearly every aspect and genre in jazz—from electric to eclectic, from be-bop to free-bop. On his new CD, “The Art of Intimacy, Vol. 1,” the trumpeter joins forces with the legendary George Cables on piano and Peter Washington laying down the bass lines. All but one tune on the setlist are slow numbers but this is not your father’s ballad record. Each member of the trio is able to pour some old wine into new bottles, aware of and perhaps shaped by the past but operating very much in the moment.
Also this week, the Calle Loiza Jazz Project of Puerto Rico reunites after three decades for their new recording, “There Will Never Be Another You,” performing eight jazz standards in tribute to Dave Valentin, Mongo Santamaria, Patato Valdes and Jerry Gonzales.
Grammy nominated pianist, composer and bandleader Joey Alexander is joined by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Kendrick Scott for his fifth release as leader, “Warna”.
Trombonist, composer, producer and educator Nick Finzer explores the formative figures we meet throughout our lives with the new sextet album, “Cast of Characters.”