Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Justin Janer: Following Signs

Justin Janer: Following Signs

By Mark Corroto
May 16, 2010
Sign in to view read count

If jazz radio had a hit singles chart, then "Bright New Day" from alto saxophonist Justin Janer's debut album, Following Signs, would be climbing towards number one with a bullet. The infectious opening track, penned by Janer, is a honeyed melody that ladles mellowed bop over a gorgeous harmony. Janer's saxophone is braided with trumpet sensation Ambrose Akinmusire's horn to form music that is, indeed, infectiously easy on the ears.

This majestic session by the 25 year-old West Coast altoist is full of his original work. Not directly inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage, the music and accompaniment by Cuban Born pianist Fabian Almazon has an assured sprezzatura (nonchalance), making the music appear effortless. Paired with Akinmusire or, on one track only, guitarist Sebastian Cruz, Janer thrills—trading solid runs of thoughts though improvised, and keeping the melody central to each song.

Janer pairs down the band to just a trio for the off-centered blues of "Loss." His plaintive alto carries the melody with minimum backing. Although young, his sound is quite mature. The disc ends with two burners, the African-rhythms of "California Sky," with a nod towards a joyous percussive sound, and "Bump," a complex and challenging piece that begins calmly, before some dare-devilish outside flights by Janer and Akinmusire.

Ah, the possibilities.

Track Listing

Bright New Day; Following Signs; Alice In Wonderland; Fidelity; Song For Suji; Loss; California Sky; Bump.

Personnel

Justin Janer

saxophone, alto

Justin Janer: alto saxophone; Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet; Fabian Almazan: piano; Sebastian Cruz: guitar (4); Ruben Samama: bass; Michael W. Davis: drums (2, 4, 6, 7); Will Clark: drums (1, 3, 5, 8).

Album information

Title: Following Signs | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Janer Music

< Previous
Brad Mehldau & Joshua Redman Live at ...

Next >
Commitment

Comments

About Justin Janer

Instrument: Saxophone, alto

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.