Posi-Tone Swingtet: In Jazz We Trust

The Posi-Tone Records label, founded and run by producer Marc Free and engineer Nick O'Toole, celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. Given the many upheavals in the music business since 1995—the rise of file sharing, the introduction of iTunes, iPod, and iPhone, the decline of the compact disc concomitant with the rise of streaming services, the shrinking influence of major labels with the rise of self-released music, and the recent rediscovery of vinyl—the label is justly proud not only to remain standing but to be thriving. A strong roster of Posi-Tone artists is creating a constant stream of great jazz, and if In Jazz We Trust, a celebratory anniversary release by the Free-assembled Posi-Tone Swingtet, is any indication, the label has a bright future. This is one of the hottest, swinging-est, and most joyful releases to come down the pike in years, and if there's any justice in the jazz world, it should become a classic.

The band is a who's who of Posi-Tone, with each member, all of whom can boast of a series of releases on the label, contributing an original tune to the proceedings. Fittingly, the album begins with drummer Rudy Royston's "Invocation." Royston provides dramatic punctuation across his perfectly-tuned drum kit while pianist Art Hirahara plays a left-hand bass ostinato, building the tension until the full septet leaps in with an incantatory theme while the drummer shifts to a polyrhythmic surge. Things calm down for short statements by trombonist Michael Dease and Hirahara before a string of solos begins with trumpet player Alex Sipiagin. As Royston astonishingly alternates between an up-tempo swing, polyrhythms, and a Latin feel, altoist Patrick Cornelius and tenor man Diego Rivera contribute blazing solos before the initial theme returns for a smoking finish. This opening track alone is worth the price of admission, but we're only 7 minutes into an exhilarating hour-long ride.

"Free Time" is one of two "outside" tunes, this one by trombonist Steve Davis, another Posi-Tone artist. It is a beguiling tune that has a feel reminiscent of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father," and features lovely solos by Cornelius, Dease, and Hirahara. Rivera brings his upbeat swinger "Mal's Totem" to the band, whose arrangement of the theme is impeccable. The tune's author contributes his best solo on the record, spurred on excitingly by Royston, after which the pianist goes to town. Bassist Boris Kozlov contributes a freer piece, the mysterious "Below the Line," with Hirahara switching to Fender Rhodes for a suspended, film noir feel. Dease solos effectively over the moody background before Royston kicks the band up a gear with a swinging beat over which there is much collective free improvisation. It is exhilarating stuff.

Things quiet down for Sipiagin's "Mirror," a lovely ballad that allows Kozlov's superb harmonic support to be heard more clearly. Dease's aptly-named "Simmer" is underlain by a bubbling bass line atop which long-held notes in the brass give way to solos by Sipiagin, now on flugelhorn, and the tune's author as the heat is slowly turned up. Hirahara's dapper "Stepped Out" is a pleasing old-time swinger supported by harmonized brass statements, while the trombonist's "Don't Look Behind You" is a suspenseful tune driven along by Royston's extraordinary snare work, culminating in his jaw-dropping solo. Altoist Cornelius contributes "Le Rendezvous Final," a tango that is primarily a vehicle for Hirahara's lithe piano, following which In Jazz We Trust concludes with "Changing Trains" by renowned pianist Misha Tsiganov. This suitably swinging tune features swift solos on alto, trombone, tenor (Rivera enjoyably indulging in some 'Trane-chasing patterns), and trumpet, before staccato brass interjections separated by Royston's slick drum fills lead to a reprise of the head and a rousing finale.

Far more than just a 30th anniversary blowing session, In Jazz We Trust comes across as a statement of purpose for Posi-Tone Records as it enters its fourth decade. "People should become familiar with the idea of expecting the unexpected," says Marc Free. "This is just a logical extension of all of the things we do individually, but taking it one step further collectively." This outstanding record is one to play now and return to often, a truly remarkable achievement.

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