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New Faces: New Sounds
ByNew Sounds features a lineup of up-and-coming jazz talent. Many of these musicians have appeared on earlier Posi-Tone releases, and this album gives them each an opportunity to take their turn in the spotlight. Although these are younger musicians, they have the talent and experience of seasoned veterans. There is also a sense of passion and creativity that permeates the record.
The musicians featured here include Brandon Lee on trumpet, Markus Howell on alto sax, Nicole Glover playing tenor sax, and pianist Caili O'Doherty. The exceptional rhythm section includes Adi Meyerson on bass, and drummer Cory Cox. The players work together seamlessly. This is obvious right from the opening track, Brandon Lee's "Shades of Brown." In the press release, Free describes the chemistry among the players in the group. "It's not just one person's voice; it's everybody's voice."
New Faces presents the members' talents not only as performers but as composers as well. The majority of the selections in this album are originals, and the selections present a selection of different jazz styles. Adi Meyerson's "Afloat" is melodic waltz with a slight sense of tension in the rhythm that almost recreates the feeling of floating on water. The Cory Cox composition, "Luna Lovejoy" dishes up some tasty Brazilian jazz flavors. Howell's flute blended with Lee's trumpet is an ideal pairing for this particular setting. Howell's "Second Wind" also features some Latin elements along with some outstanding improvisation.
New Faces also includes a beautiful ballad, "Hold My Heart," another Meyerson composition. Caili O'Doherty's piano on this song along with Meyerson's bass provides an ideal foundation for the melodic wind instruments. O'Doherty's "Runaway" is another emotionally moving piece. The song begins with a somewhat introspective solo piano section that transitions into a powerful group performance. Free describes this composition as a "sensitive and vulnerable portrayal of people trying to hear their way and not think their way through difficult times."
Nicole Glover's "Blues for Tangier" is one of the album's most adventurous tracks. This playful track blends some Moroccan motifs with a healthy dose of Thelonious Monk inspired blues. "Whistleblower" offers something of a hard bop tune that allows for the players to stretch out and explore some modal territory. While this improvisational aspect is present throughout the album, the closing track, "Trapezoid," offers a strong conclusion, complete with several outstanding solos.
One of Free's goals with this project is to bring some "beauty and blissful joy to listeners." During the challenging times much of the world has faced recently, a little joy would be a pretty cool thing.
Track Listing
Shades Of Brown; Whistleblower; Afloat; Stop Gap; Hold My Heart; Second Wind; Blues For Tangier; Luna Lovejoy; Runaway; Trapezoid
Personnel
New Faces
band / ensemble / orchestraCaili O'Doherty
pianoAdi Meyerson
bassCory Cox
drumsBrandon Lee
trumpetNicole Glover
saxophone, tenorMarkus Howell
saxophone, altoAlbum information
Title: New Sounds | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
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About New Faces
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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