Conceived during the pandemic and finally seeing the light of day, 'Falling From Earth' is far more than a standard jazz record, it’s a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and a deep love of craft.
Paris Move
Falling From Earth arrives as a testament to patience, perseverance, and the enduring power of collaboration. Produced and mixed by veteran audio technologist and producer John March, this independently financed project brings together some of the most celebrated names in modern jazz to craft an album that is as daring as it is deeply human.
Featuring six-time GRAMMY nominee Mike Stern (guitar), GRAMMY winner Eddie Gomez (bass), Kevin Axt (bass), and renowned drummers Billy Drummond, Steve Hass, and Karl Latham, the album embodies the spirit of jazz as a collective art form. Anchoring the vision is pianist and composer Bob Schlesinger, whose original works provide both structure and freedom for improvisation.
Years in the Making
The journey of Falling From Earth began before the pandemic, with initial sessions in New York City. Interrupted by global shutdowns, the project stretched across several years and multiple locations, including intimate sessions in Colorado and remote collaborations enabled by state-of-the-art fiber-linked studios. What emerged was not a rushed commercial product, but a body of work shaped through time, care, and a near-obsessive commitment to getting it right.Echoing the spirit of landmark recordings by Miles Davis and Steely Dan, the album evolved through painstaking editing, layering, and experimentation. March and Schlesinger leaned into this process, letting the music breathe and transform until it reflected the raw truth of the artists involved.
Independent Spirit
Unlike many large-scale productions, Falling From Earth was created without the backing of a label. Funded through personal investment and supported in part by the Pathways to Jazz grant, the project is a rare example of uncompromising artistry achieved through sheer dedication.“This wasn’t about chasing trends or fitting into categories,” says producer John March. “It was about honoring the music, honoring the musicians, and giving ourselves the time to discover what the album wanted to become. That takes patience, and it takes trust.”
Critical Acclaim and Resonance
Early reviews have praised Falling From Earth as essential listening. Paris Move called it “indispensable… far more than a standard jazz record, it’s a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and a deep love of craft.” Jazz Guitar Today described it as “a bold project that redefines what it means to create in uncertain times.”A Record That Breathes Humanity
At its core, Falling From Earth is not just about virtuosity, but about connection. Through soaring improvisations, delicate interplay, and moments of unguarded vulnerability, the album reflects both the fragility and strength of the human condition.As listeners press play, they are invited into an intimate circle of collaboration—one forged through challenge, distance, and unwavering dedication.
Availability & For Your GRAMMY Consideration
Falling From Earth is available now on digital platforms worldwide, as well as in CD and limited double LP vinyl editions for audiophiles and collectors.The album is currently featured in the Recording Academy’s For Your GRAMMY Consideration campaign, with submissions in the following categories:
Best Alternative Jazz Album
Falling From EarthBest Jazz Performance
Easy Offramp (from Falling From Earth)Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Falling From Earth