Led by Chicago saxophonist and composer Michael Hudson-Casanova, Heyman presents its sophomore release as an ensemble. The quartet continues to explore the jazz repertoire from exciting new angles in this 8-track record, with five new compositions from Hudson-Casanova and three from the band’s guitarist, Mike Lorenz. This album is a studio documentation of the music played on their May 2025 tour.
Heyman’s immense dynamic range is evident from the first track, “Ladybug," which also features the variety of grooves and textures drummer Matt Scarano can employ on his kit. Tracks like the Ornette Coleman-inspired “Cup of Cheer" and “Wait, Don’t Tell Me" demonstrate this group swinging at a variety of tempos and meters. “Oceans Apart," the lone duo track on the record, is an active and engaging conversation between saxophone and guitar over a serene modal composition. Hudson-Casanova makes his recorded clarinet debut on Lorenz’s folky-blues “Melding," a piece which leaves room for the whole ensemble to stretch out, including a thoughtful bass solo from Sandy Eldred. The album concludes with the dark and sludgy “Country is Shortage," a stretched-out, bluesy composition penned by Lorenz and featuring some haunting unison melodies on toy piano.
This recording is a logical continuation of Heyman’s group sound, which they have explored from many new angles on this dynamic and engaging record.
Hudson-Casanova has received awards, scholarships, and grants for his music, including individual artist grants from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. In 2022, he was featured as a soloist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for their production of “Charlie Parker: With Strings.”
Hudson-Casanova has appeared at venues across the United States as a leader and sideman including Chris’ Jazz Cafe, South Jazz Kitchen, Cliff Bell’s, Silvana, The Green Mill, Cafe CODA, Elastic Arts, and more. He has toured extensively throughout the midwest and east coast with his own bands.
Heyman’s immense dynamic range is evident from the first track, “Ladybug," which also features the variety of grooves and textures drummer Matt Scarano can employ on his kit. Tracks like the Ornette Coleman-inspired “Cup of Cheer" and “Wait, Don’t Tell Me" demonstrate this group swinging at a variety of tempos and meters. “Oceans Apart," the lone duo track on the record, is an active and engaging conversation between saxophone and guitar over a serene modal composition. Hudson-Casanova makes his recorded clarinet debut on Lorenz’s folky-blues “Melding," a piece which leaves room for the whole ensemble to stretch out, including a thoughtful bass solo from Sandy Eldred. The album concludes with the dark and sludgy “Country is Shortage," a stretched-out, bluesy composition penned by Lorenz and featuring some haunting unison melodies on toy piano.
This recording is a logical continuation of Heyman’s group sound, which they have explored from many new angles on this dynamic and engaging record.
About Michael Hudson-Casanova
Originally from Detroit, Michael Hudson-Casanova is an alto saxophonist, composer, and improviser who has lived in Chicago since 2021. His debut album, Echoes of Thought, is “…an exceptional record by a killer band,”-All About Jazz. His music blends traditional and contemporary jazz concepts and consistently leaves plenty of room for dynamic improvisation with carefully chosen bandmates.Hudson-Casanova has received awards, scholarships, and grants for his music, including individual artist grants from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. In 2022, he was featured as a soloist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for their production of “Charlie Parker: With Strings.”
Hudson-Casanova has appeared at venues across the United States as a leader and sideman including Chris’ Jazz Cafe, South Jazz Kitchen, Cliff Bell’s, Silvana, The Green Mill, Cafe CODA, Elastic Arts, and more. He has toured extensively throughout the midwest and east coast with his own bands.
