Jazz Matters – November 2024 Show
Exploring the Boundaries of Modern Jazz: A Journey Through 17 Tracks of Innovation
Welcome to my November Jazz Showcase—a curated journey through the boundless creativity and emotional depth of the jazz universe. This playlist is a constellation of musical gems, each shining with its unique brilliance.
Exploring these tracks is like tracing the DNA of jazz itself, uncovering its rich traditions while glimpsing the future possibilities of the genre. Join me as we unpack these selections, celebrating the artistry that makes them essential listening for seasoned jazz aficionados and curious newcomers alike. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these pieces resonate so profoundly.
Snarky Puppy – Fuel City A fusion juggernaut like Snarky Puppy thrives on pushing the envelope. With Fuel City, the band delivers their signature blend of intricate grooves and soaring improvisations. The track feels like a bustling city at midnight, pulsating with life and layers. Did this one spark the sense of adventure they're known for, or does it signal a new direction?
Bill Laurance, The Untold Orchestra – The Good Things – Live Pianist Bill Laurance joins forces with The Untold Orchestra for this expansive live performance. It’s cinematic, contemplative, and lush. How does Laurance’s flair for storytelling translate in a live collaborative setting?
Marc Mac Presents Visioneers – Heather One of my treasured memories is talking with Billy Cobham about one of my favourite piece of music that has been given a beautiful rework, with A nod to the intersection of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, Heather is like flipping through dusty vinyl in a sunlit record shop. It’s a track that blurs boundaries—just as Marc Mac has done throughout his career. What role does nostalgia play in jazz’s modern iterations?
Espen Eriksen Trio & Andy Sheppard – AnthemThis collaboration brings together the Scandinavian precision of the Espen Eriksen Trio and the emotive sax of Andy Sheppard. Anthem is a study in restraint, allowing silence to sing as loudly as the notes. How does the sparseness of this track redefine what an anthem can be?
Geoffrey Keezer – Tomorrow Keezer’s piano work is virtuosic yet accessible, and Tomorrow encapsulates hope through melodic lines that feel like the dawn breaking. It’s modern jazz at its optimistic best. In what ways does this track engage with themes of time and renewal?
Johnathan Blake – Homeward Bound (For Ana Grace) Dedicated to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, a victim of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Blake’s piece is a poignant reflection on loss and healing. With its delicate yet powerful narrative, it asks: how does jazz uniquely convey collective grief and personal resilience?
Khan Jamal – The Known Unknown The late Khan Jamal’s vibraphone work here feels like stepping into an alternate dimension. It’s experimental, textured, and utterly captivating. How does Jamal’s legacy influence the avant-garde scene today?
Terri Lyne Carrington, Ravi Coltrane, Elena Pinderhughes – Respected Destroyer This powerhouse trio delivers an urgent, boundary-pushing track. Pinderhughes’ flute soars over Carrington’s rhythmic complexities and Coltrane’s profound sax lines. How do these three voices balance and challenge each other in the space of one piece?
Nduduzo Makhathini – Unonkanyamba South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini channels ancestral spirits in this track. With its spiritual depth and cultural resonance, Unonkanyamba bridges African traditions and modern jazz. What does this track reveal about the global story of jazz?
Zach Brock – The Last Song Violinist Zach Brock delivers a hauntingly beautiful performance. The Last Song feels introspective yet expansive, a meditation on endings. Does the violin have a unique voice in jazz compared to more traditional instruments?
Miles Davis, David Sanborn – Portia [1986] This classic collaboration from Miles Davis and David Sanborn oozes the sophisticated cool of the '80s jazz fusion era. It’s sleek, moody, and timeless. How does Davis’s genius continue to ripple through modern jazz?
Held By Trees – In the Trees Held By Trees brings ambient jazz to the fore, crafting soundscapes that feel like walking through a serene forest. It’s music as meditation. Can ambient jazz create a bridge to wider audiences without sacrificing depth?
Butcher Brown – Sticky July With a blend of funk, soul, and jazz, Butcher Brown captures a summer heatwave in musical form. Their modern energy raises the question: is jazz reclaiming its dance-floor roots?
Florian Hoefner Group – Elements This track from Hoefner’s group is as precise as it is emotional, exploring the foundational “elements” of sound and composition. How do such thoughtful arrangements resonate in a live versus recorded context?
Sam Newsome – When You See the Light Solo saxophonist Sam Newsome stretches the instrument’s capabilities in this exploratory piece. How do solo performances challenge both artist and listener in jazz?
Art Hirahara – Zero Hour Pianist Art Hirahara brings a cinematic quality to Zero Hour. It’s suspenseful yet resolved, pulling listeners into its unfolding drama. What role does the piano play in telling stories without words?
Peter Erskine Trio – To Love Again Drummer Peter Erskine’s trio delivers a heartfelt ballad that feels like a quiet conversation between friends. Is the trio format the most intimate form of jazz, or does it limit its possibilities?________________________________________
This playlist is more than a listening experience; it’s a journey through the evolving landscape of jazz. Each track challenges our understanding of what jazz is and can be. Which of these pieces resonates most with you? What stories do you hear in their melodies? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep this dialogue alive in the ever-expanding universe of jazz.