Some New Music.

Mr. Rogers has always been one of my favorite people. I grew up watching his show, and still throw an episode on now and again. He’s perhaps one of the warmest people to ever live. Also, his band. Johnny Costa on piano, Joe Negri on guitar, these guys would just kill on every episode.

I recently found a fantastic jazz album by a great tenor saxophone player named John Ellis. This album from 2012 features an incredible host of players. Mike Morano, Aaron Goldberg, and Matt Penman to name a few. Standout tracks are “It’s You I Like”, and “You Are Special”.

Beautiful interpretations of the music of Mr. Rogers, with a great modern jazz approach. Odd meters, and syncopation, all while maintaining the joyful and playful nature of it’s originator.

A must listen if you’re a jazz person.

Old Friend, Awesome Art

Way back in the 90’s, I went to high school with a super cool dude named Jeremy Lowther. He was a very talented artist then, and even more so now. I recently saw a post of his, and was reminded of a piece he did many years ago. Butter Toast man, when I first saw it who knows how long ago, I immediately wanted a print of it. Now I have one, and got quite a few more. I love all of them. GO check out his work at http://www.jlowther.net/

Current Jams.

There has been some pretty excellent music coming out this year. Here are some things I have really been digging:

Knower Forever

by Knower

Knowers newest release, “Knower Forever” (available on thier BandCamp) is yet another masterpiece. Louis Cole is a force on this album, playing multiple instruments, singing, and orchestrating some incredible pieces. My favorite tracks on this album so far are “I’m the President”, “The Abyss”, and “Do Hot Girls Like Chords”. A great mix of synths and live musicians is a hallmark of Knower, and they do not disappoint here. Genevieve Artade has several standout moments, specifically her performance on “Same Smile, Different Person.”

Still Casual

Walter Smith III

Walter Smith III happened to attend Berklee around the same time I did. I have seen him perform numerous times in those years, and have followed him since. His latest release, “Still Casual” is an absolute master class in casual brilliance. Every musician on this album is an absolute giant, and every song kills from start to finish. The whole album is a highlight as far as I’m concerned.

As a jazz fan - I can’t help but feel that we’re seeing a reneaissance of the genre in recent years. With the work of Ben Wendel, WSIII, Louis Cole, Snarky Puppy, Vulfpeck, Kneebody, and all of the members of those bands, there is a lot of incredible music coming out right now. I truly hope it continues for many years to come.