November Jazz Mix: A Journey Through Loss, Renewal, and Rediscovery

After a challenging few months, reconnecting with music has felt like returning to an old friend. Putting this November Jazz Mix together allowed me to reflect, remember, and finally feel that creative spark again. Here’s a dive into each track that brought this setlist to life – a blend of introspection, innovation, and rich tonal exploration from some of jazz’s most compelling artists.

1. Remy La Boeuf - "Minnesota, WI"There’s a reason I chose to open this mix with Remy La Boeuf’s "Minnesota, WI" – and why it’s making a return to my playlist. La Boeuf’s ability to blend harmonic depth with an air of spontaneity gives the track a powerful emotional weight. It’s a piece that mirrors the experience of looking back while moving forward, setting the perfect tone for the journey through this mix.

2. Chris Potter - "Wine Dark Sea"Chris Potter’s "Wine Dark Sea" dives deep into textures that reflect both turbulence and calm – a sonic portrait of resilience and grace. Potter’s masterful saxophone work is both expressive and expansive, drawing from jazz, classical, and world music influences. The piece is as layered as it is revealing, creating a sense of narrative and emotional arc that captivates from the first note.

3. Jeremy Ledbetter Trio - "Flight""Flight" by the Jeremy Ledbetter Trio brings a sense of lightness and exploration to the mix. Ledbetter, along with drummer Larnell Lewis and bassist Rich Brown, constructs a dynamic interplay that soars and dips with rhythmic brilliance. Each instrument seems to dance around the other, capturing the energy and freedom that only a well-connected trio can bring.

4. Kenny Garrett - "Alpha Man"Kenny Garrett’s "Alpha Man" introduces a strong, confident energy to the playlist, with Garrett’s saxophone leading the charge through driving, blues-infused passages. This track is a showcase of Garrett’s inimitable style – grounded yet free-flowing, powerful yet nuanced. His mastery of phrasing and melodic direction invites listeners into a world that feels both intimate and universal.

5. Lady Blackbird - "Lost and Looking""Lost and Looking" by Lady Blackbird brings a soulful, hauntingly beautiful pause in the set. Blackbird’s voice channels a kind of vulnerability that resonates deeply, evoking echoes of jazz and soul greats while distinctly her own. It’s a reflection on solitude and longing, offering an intimate space that feels both grounding and transporting.

6. Kiefer Trio (ft. Luke Titus & Pera Krstajic) - "Montara"The Kiefer Trio’s rendition of "Montara," featuring Luke Titus and Pera Krstajic, brings a lush, modern groove into the mix. With its blend of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the track reimagines Bobby Hutcherson’s original in a way that’s unmistakably fresh yet deeply respectful of its roots. This track is smooth, relaxed, and filled with subtle rhythmic intricacies that reveal themselves with each listen.

7. Oregon - "Creeper"There’s something timeless about Oregon’s "Creeper" – it encapsulates the essence of their groundbreaking approach to fusion jazz. The group’s interplay here is mesmerizing, weaving Eastern and Western influences into a hypnotic, almost cinematic soundscape. Listening to "Creeper" felt like a rediscovery of Oregon's legacy, inspiring me to explore their body of work more deeply. Look out for a dedicated Oregon special soon – a true tribute to these pioneers of genre-blending brilliance.

8. Svaneborg Kardyb - "Superkilen"Danish duo Svaneborg Kardyb introduces a touch of minimalism with "Superkilen," blending jazz with elements of Scandinavian folk and electronic music. The track has a calming, contemplative quality that feels like a breath of fresh air amidst the complexity of the mix. The duo’s delicate balance between piano and percussion creates an atmosphere that’s both meditative and engaging, offering a moment to pause and reflect.

9. Michael Wolff - "Left Out"Michael Wolff’s "Left Out" is introspective and deeply personal, with a restrained yet powerful piano performance that draws the listener into his world. Wolff has a way of communicating emotion through simplicity, allowing space to explore silence and sound equally. "Left Out" resonates on a level that feels intimate and vulnerable, capturing a mood that lingers long after the track ends.

10. Kakafoni - "Dessa"Rounding out the mix, Kakafoni’s "Dessa" brings an energetic, experimental touch. The Scandinavian ensemble’s approach is dynamic and freeform, with an emphasis on spontaneity and interplay that feels both daring and inviting. "Dessa" combines elements of jazz improvisation and folk traditions, closing the playlist on a note that celebrates the diversity and evolution of modern jazz.

Each track in this November Jazz Mix holds its own story, yet together they form a cohesive journey through sound, memory, and rediscovery. It’s a playlist that represents not just the best in contemporary jazz, but also the resilience and transformative power of music. And as always, thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more insights on the artists and influences behind these tracks on the blog, and keep an ear out for the upcoming Oregon special before the holidays.
Happy listening – I hope these sounds bring as much joy and reflection to you as they did for me while curating them.