Celebrating
his 10th anniversary with Mack Avenue Records, internationally acclaimed
composer/trumpeter Sean Jones views his seventh album, im.pro.vise never before
seen, as "a reintroduction of who I am." Although he has clearly
established himself as a formidable leader through recordings and live
performances, this album reflects his "conscious decision to approach this
latest step in my artistic evolution as a trumpet player, a composer and a leader."
A major
event in that evolution occurred when he chose to step down from his longtime
position as Lead Trumpeter of the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra in 2010. But
touring with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock's Tribute To Miles the following
year made a truly profound impact on his personal journey. "I have so much
respect for those men, so I asked them how I could best contribute to this
music. Without hesitation and in one voice they said: 'Lead. That's what we
hired you to do.' That brought it all together for me."
Through
that epiphany, Jones set out with a new motivation firmly in place, and
im.pro.vise never before seen began to take form. Paring his artistic viewpoint
down to the basics, he decided to make his first quartet recording with his
longtime bandmates, the dynamic pianist Orrin Evans, and the seamless bass/drum
tandem of Luques Curtis and Obed Calvaire. Furthermore, he chose to do it old
school.
"All
of my previous albums were 'productions' with overdubs, etc," says Jones.
"This time it was just the four of us in one room, no barriers between us,
playing live." The sense of immediacy and urgency that has always been a
key element of the jazz art at its highest level is front and center throughout
this entire album. Another essential tradition of looking back to look forward
is also omnipresent here, and that includes the full scope of that legacy from
its blues roots to its freer explorations.
Powerfully
committed to his art and clearly focused upon where he wants to take it, Jones
has developed one of the most impressive and compelling ensembles on today's
scene, all of whom are committed to performing together and taking their place
alongside the most affecting and important ensembles in jazz.
Together
this quartet generates the consummate energy to which all truly dedicated jazz
artists should aspire. The musicians bring everything they have to the table,
making the music their own, yet always understanding that the purpose is to
fulfill the vision of the leader. "I want to reflect the tradition of what
jazz is," says Jones, "and my voice is a voice that needs to be part
of it."
Upcoming
Sean Jones Performances:
July 31
/ Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival / Atlantic City, NJ
August 8
& 9 / Richmond Jazz Festival / Richmond, VA
August
12 - 13 / Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (featured guest artist) / New York, NY
August
21 / SFJAZZ Center / San Francisco, CA
September
1 / Detroit Jazz Festival / Detroit, MI
September
5 / The Frick / Pittsburgh, PA
September
25 - 28 / Jazz Showcase / Chicago, IL
November
3 - 8 / SF Performances Residency / San Francisco, CA
November
10 - 15 / Jazz Bistro / St. Louis, MO
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