Joshua Redman has established himself as a remarkable saxophonist adn improviser over the past thirty years,showcasing an exceptional ability to create spontaneous music that feels almost instinctual. His passion for crafting melodies, which first captivated audiences wiht his self-titled debut in 1993, remains undiminished. In 2023, Redman released his latest album under the Blue Note label titled *Where Are We*, a project rich in covers and marking his initial foray into predominantly vocal work. This album features the emotive voice of Gabrielle Cavassa, a talented singer from New Orleans who is also a new addition to the blue Note roster.
Aiming to avoid any perception of a career reset with this release, Redman cleverly named his follow-up album *Words Drop Brief* while including only one track featuring Cavassa’s vocals. More impressively, he has introduced an exciting new young ensemble performing entirely original compositions alongside renowned Chilean saxophonist Melissa Aldana and rising star Skylar Tang on trumpet at just nineteen years old. The outcome is an album that beautifully balances Redman’s creative vision with the synergy of his band.
the opening track “A Message to Unsend” unfolds with a nostalgic tenor melody layered over gentle piano patterns reminiscent of Keith Jarrett’s trio style. In contrast,”So It Goes,” presents an engaging interplay between the saxophones of Redman and Aldana that exudes cool jazz vibes. The intricately arranged piece “Icarus” juxtaposes a descending theme played by saxophone and trumpet against an ascending counter-melody; it builds tension through dynamic percussion leading to exhilarating crescendos expertly navigated by Tang.
The poignant ballad ”Borrowed Eyes,” inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s novel *The Road*, showcases Redman’s expansive tenor voice paired with Phil Norris’s delicately plucked bass solo. Meanwhile, Cavassa’s contribution on “Generation’s Atomize” highlights another sophisticated aspect of Redman’s artistry through its captivating vocal-tenor unison section.
New Releases This Month
This month also sees notable releases from other artists making waves in contemporary jazz scenes.UK saxophonist Andy sheppard continues refining his sound towards something akin to Charles Lloyd’s ethereal essence—characterized by delicate high notes interspersed with brisk boppish runs—developed through collaborations within Carla Bley’s ensemble as well as partnerships with innovative Swiss pianist Michael arbenz. Together they blend baroque influences with classic jazz elements on their live recording From bach to ellington – Live (Jazzfuel).
Additonally, adventurous guitarist/composer Ant Law‘s latest offering titled Unified Theories (antlaw.co.uk), presents intricate post-bop themes explored through fiery unison sections coupled with free-form improvisation techniques.
Younger Israeli keyboardist Sharon Mansur‘s debut album *Trigger* under ACT Records offers her unique take on modern jazz-rock fusion characterized by vibrant piano choruses infused with synth textures alongside dreamy melodies—all while maintaining strong empathetic connections typical within jazz trios—even if her improvisational skills occasionally feel somewhat constrained amidst catchy hooks.