Keefe Jackson / Jakob Heinemann / Adam Shead: Stinger

Stinger marks the debut release from the trio of saxophonist Keefe Jackson, bassist Jakob Heinemann and drummer Adam Shead. Yet, from the cohesion and interplay captured on this recording, it is clear these three musicians have collaborated extensively. The group exemplifies the Chicago ethos of collective creation—both in compositional approach and improvisational execution. Jackson and Heinemann each contribute three compositions, while Shead handles the sound mixing, graphic design, and overall production, underscoring the project's collaborative spirit.

Jackson has been a cornerstone of Chicago's creative music scene for over two decades. His distinctive voice is heard in ensembles like J@K@L, the Urge Trio, and The Slow Bell Trio, as well as in projects led by Greg Ward, Jason Adasiewicz and Jason Stein. Shead anchors another trio with Stein and Damon Smith and performs in the forward-leaning quartet Microplastique. Heinemann, meanwhile, gained recent acclaim for his work on Horizon Scanners (Clean Feed, 2024), alongside Jim Baker and Steve Hunt.

That cooperative energy permeates Stinger, recorded live at two of Chicago's creative hubs, the Hungry Brain and Constellation. The music often embraces a follow-and-chase dynamic, as showcased on the title track, which begins with a tight, composed theme before Jackson's tenor saxophone takes flight. Heinemann and Shead respond in kind, their improvisational pursuit choreographed to suggest chaos, only to converge in striking unison.

Their take on John Tchicai's "Oles Anders" opens with a carnival-like flourish, quickly splintering into expressive bowed bass and dynamic percussion, before the trio reassembles around a common pulse. Elsewhere, the group explores more intimate terrain: "She" and "Gun Shy" function as deconstructed ballads, with Jackson switching to bass clarinet on the latter to lend a darker hue.

"Easy" offers a tightly wound post-bop workout, full of rhythmic snap and melodic clarity, while "God of the Fickle" nods to Thelonious Monk with its angular phrasing and sly, off-kilter swing.

Stinger announces the arrival of a trio already fluent in shared language and rich with potential. Expect this collaboration to evolve—and return—with further surprises.