Entre Amigos Pays Homage To Two Contemporary Composers on Magpie and Joyful Foundation

The Chicago-based Entre Amigos is a dynamic collaborative quartet that performs refreshingly original music of contemporary artists. After their eponymous debut, which showcased the members' works, the ensemble released two albums, each spotlighting an inventive trumpeter's compositions. The 2025 Magpie consists entirely of pieces penned by Chicagoan Joe Clark. In comparison, the 2026 Joyful Foundation is dedicated to the Portland-based Justin Copeland's output.

Entre Amigos
Magpie
Self Produced
2025

As the subtitle indicates, Magpie features Clark's originals and very personal ones at that. Each of the seven tracks is inspired by an important event in the composer's life or else was written for a close friend. The group interprets these with a sensitivity that reflects the emotions with which Clark has imbued the music.

The title piece, for instance, celebrates Clark meeting his wife and ushering in a recovery from grief. Over drummer Gustavo Cortiñas' soft brushes and bassist Kitt Lyles' thumping beats, saxophonist Roy McGrath weaves a tender melody. He then launches into a lyrical embellishment of the main theme, which pianist Hana Fujisaki peppers with sparse, chiming notes. Fujisaki then takes her place in the spotlight with an enchanting and lyrical improvisation. The foursome then return seamlessly to the wistful head with elegance and grace.

Meanwhile, Clark penned the playful "Potato" for his then-infant daughter. The whimsical tune lends well to McGrath's easygoing and brassy tenor style. The rhythm trio keeps the swinging groove going with its sleek and crystalline refrains. Fujisaki takes center stage with effervescent spontaneity while Lyles performs his solo with lithe agility and light-hearted panache. Before concluding, Cortinas lets loose a series of lively, percolating polyrhythms, engaging his bandmates in brief and crisp dialogues.

A nostalgic mood prevails on "The Parliament" dedicated to Clark's hero saxophonist Wayne Shorter. The darkly pulsating bass and restless brushes create an ambiance full of intrigue. Fujisaki then takes off on a beautifully poetic extemporization that at times has hints of Latin music while at other times an undercurrent of the blues. McGrath, with his acerbic soprano, expands on the pianist's ideas with passionate spontaneity. The band then engages in a series of seamless exchanges that reflect its superb camaraderie.

Magpie is not only a charming and highly enjoyable album but also a much-needed introduction to the versatile Clark and his unique work.

Entre Amigos
Joyful Foundation
Self Produced
2026

Joyful Foundation is structurally a bit different yet equally captivating. Here, Copeland joins the group, making it a quintet, and only four out of eight tracks are his. The members of Entre Amigos each contributed an original that drew inspiration from Copeland's work. As in Magpie, the ensemble is deeply sympathetic to the composer's vision and interprets it with refreshing spontaneity and panache.

For instance, the simmering title piece, one of Copeland's, starts with the trumpeter blowing mellow, languid notes over Fujisaki's sparse, chiming keys. Thus, a cinematic atmosphere is created. Copeland embellishes the melody with his burnished and clear tones, infusing it with a warm nostalgia. McGrath, on soprano saxophone, matches Copeland's lyricism with his own yearning and complex solo. The rest of the band lays down an ebullient cadence which is both laidback and intricate. The inner synergy among all five musicians makes the performance uplifting and deceptively facile.

Fujisaki's effervescent and up-tempo "Probability" is in the same spirit as Copeland's work. It opens with the pianist demonstrating her virtuosity through an energetic improvisation that hints at the stride masters of old. Copeland expands further on Fujisaki's ideas with equally expressive, breathtakingly agile phrases. McGrath, too, blows a series of fiery and stimulating lines, setting the stage for Lyles' eloquent bass and Cortinas' thundering drums.

Similarly, Cortinas' whimsical "Valley of 1000 Devils" is a playful and thrilling five-way conversation. Over the drummer's driving beats, Copeland and McGrath engage in a delightfully dramatic duet. Fujiwara and Lyles keep joining Cortinas, amplifying the brisk pace of the tune's rhythmic framework. Thus, the song serves as a perfect conclusion to this radiant album, ending it on a high note.

On Joyful Foundation, Copeland and Entre Amigos are at their creative best. The music they create together is intelligent and bright. It has equal amounts of widespread appeal and inventiveness packaged in a sunny disposition. Something much needed during dark times.

Tracks and Personnel

Magpie

Tracks: Bernard; Magpie; The Parliament; Heaven On Seven; Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker; Potato.

Personnel: Roy McGrath: tenor and soprano saxophones; Hana Fujisaki: piano; Kitt Lyles: bass; Gustavo Cortiñas: drum set

Joyful Foundation

Tracks: Ride; Probability; Fleeting Magic; Fue Nuestro; Joyful Foundation; Several Clear Moments; Remembrance; Valley of 1000 Devils.

Personnel: Justin Copeland: trumpet; Roy McGrath: tenor and soprano saxophones; Hana Fujisaki: piano; Kitt Lyles: bass; Gustavo Cortiñas: drum set