Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Jackon and distinguished poet/activist Giovanni made a splash with their 2022 The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni. Now they return with a collaboration lifting up their love of Hollywood standards. Halfway through “Speak Low” from One Touch of Venus, the overlay of Giovanni’s dulcet, commanding voice reciting one of her poems adds new dimension and meaning. It’s just one example of many breathtaking moments in these songbook standards supplemented by three Jackson originals and a tune by Sonny Rollins. Jackson and Giovanni are each outstanding, preeminent artists. Together, their output is potent, moving, and irresistibly inspiring.
On their debut recording, the in- ventive Boston-based collective, Ize Trio, probes the intersections of jazz and Middle Eastern traditional music to winning effect. The name (pronounced “eyes”) is taken from the trio’s four building blocks: improvise, humanize, harmonize, and empathize. With these foundational principles, San Diego-native pianist Chase Morrin, Cyprus-born percussionist George Lernis, and Palestinian cellist Naseem Alatrash craft four voluminous suites. Joining them are venerable bassist John Patitucci and rising vocalists Farayi Malek and Heiraza. With their blend of sounds and styles from varied cultures, Ize makes powerful, intriguing, not-to-be-missed music.
On Urban Chaos, trombonist and composer Nick Adema chronicles his experiences of devastation and healing as a new resident of an unfamiliar city after the loss of his mother. A core quartet assisted by guest artists, including saxophonist Noah Preminger and vocalist Liva Dumpe, and a string quartet aptly execute pieces that show- case Adema’s impressive com- positional gifts. Pulsating grooves and rhythms, knockout solos, and moods ranging from heady energy to dreamy poignancy fill the music with buoyancy, verve, and emotion- al resonance. Adema’s heart, soul, and prodigious musical talent lift Urban Chaos to thrilling heights. An essential album.
True to its title, veteran jazz bassist and composer Råberg’s latest album showcases a continually evolving master jazz musician. The recording features an exceptional decet plus pianist Kris Davis and saxophonist Walter Smith III in ten Råberg originals full of sonic surprises. Sublime harmonic explorations, dazzling solos, and inspirations that include Greek mythology, Indi- an music, and Wayne Shorter all contribute to the depth and breadth of Råberg’s musical output. Evolver is a great album, representing another transformative step on the journey of a genuine jazz visionary.
Guitarist Okazaki tries some- thing completely different for his twelfth album. Twenty-two sonic vignettes rendered with unusual studio techniques and a brilliant lineup of improvisers, including Matt Mitchell, Jen Shyu, Anna Webber, Fay Vic- tor, Jacob Garchik, Jon Iraba- gon, Patricia Brennan, and Caroline Davis, make for a wild, exhilarating ride, propelling the listener along through artful ab- straction and enigmatic, awe-in- spiring soundscapes. Okazaki’s experimental venture succeeds splendidly, bolstered by his fearless curiosity and excep- tional artistry. Miniature Ameri- ca is great work, and Okazaki is a true original.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/subscribe-banner-box-bg-fall-mob.jpg")
