Noah Preminger: Ballads

Noah Preminger has long been an artist who thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation. On Ballads, the tenor saxophonist delves into the depths of lyricism with a quartet that exudes understated intensity: pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Allan Mednard. This release communicates in whispers rather than shouts, yet it never loses its sense of adventure.

Preminger's tone -warm, breathy, elastic, guides the listener through a charming set of originals, carefully selected standards, and one unexpected cover from outside the jazz cannon. Each piece unfolds naturally, as if the music is discovering itself in real time. The set opens with a rarely heard Stan Getz composition from the early years of his career entitled "Stan's Mood." The interpretation beautifully illustrates Preminger's approach to not over-intellectualize but embrace the essence of the melody. Shore's accompaniment is delicate yet assured, leading the rhythm section that leans in absorbing the nuances. The other American Songbook standard that bookends the release is the George & Ira Gershwin gem "Someone To Watch Over Me" that Frank Sinatra included in his debut album for Columbia Records The Voice of Frank Sinatra in 1946. Preminger reshapes this version with a duo opening between him and Cass, providing fresh contours before the others join in. Preminger's improvisations are filled with emotional depth and thematic clarity.

The unexpected cover is "Carry Me Ohio" by singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek aka Sun Kil Moon. Reflecting on his two-year-old son's time in the womb and the numerous times this number was played, Preminger navigates the number that speaks to his heart as much as to the mind, finding jazz potential in unlikely places. The remaining four tracks are original compositions which are imbued with the kind of storytelling quality that recalls the best work of Ben Webster or Paul Desmond. The starting point is "Unfair World," a somewhat morose number filled with phrases that unfold patiently. Shore's support radiates understated intensity. "In Our 20s" has Cass and Mednard setting a relentless forward motion tempo, as Preminger navigates a luminous harmonic pathway filled with deep intuition. As for "Pneu" (English translation "tire"), Preminger captures a circularity of expression through his long singing phrases while Cass and Mednard engage in a series of swirling exchanges. Finally, with pristine production values, Preminger's ambition was to create an album of the highest sonic quality with the finest contemporary musicians.