Los Angeles-based saxophonist Nicole McCabe is set to release her highly anticipated new LP A Song to Sing on March 7, 2025, via Colorfield Records. Known for her bold and innovative approach to jazz, McCabe has already made waves with her past albums and collaborations, including Mosaic and Landscapes. Now, with A Song to Sing, she continues to push boundaries and expand the possibilities of the saxophone in the modern jazz landscape.
A Journey Into the Unexpected
Recorded at Pete Min's Lucy’s Meat Market Studio, A Song to Sing brings together McCabe's rich, experimental sensibility with a collection of powerful collaborators. The album is a masterclass in genre-defying music, blending elements of jazz, electronic, and improvisational forms. While some tracks lean into the traditional jazz textures McCabe is known for—such as the drum kit and sax workout “Inner Critic”—the album also embraces the adventurous spirit of Colorfield Records, a label that challenges musicians with unexpected curveballs in the studio. Players are encouraged to experiment, pick up new instruments, and explore new sonic territories, leading to rich, layered compositions that merge the acoustic and electronic worlds.
On tracks like Passages, the interplay between McCabe’s woodwinds and analog synths is hypnotic, at times blurring the lines between the two. The result is a sound that is simultaneously forward-thinking and deeply connected to the history of jazz, one that never slows down or stagnates. As Bandcamp Daily aptly put it, A Song to Sing reminds listeners that even in an era where jazz has evolved far from its origins, “the past still has plenty to say.”
Praise for McCabe’s Artistry
Nicole McCabe has earned recognition for her distinct voice and approach to the saxophone. All About Jazz describes her playing as “humble and respectful,” with “a true cognizance of the tradition from where her art comes from, and a feeling of surrender to where the music is directionally headed.” Her ability to balance tradition with innovation has made her one of the most exciting voices in the contemporary jazz scene.
About the Artist
McCabe is a saxophonist, composer, and educator hailing from Marin County, California, and currently based in Los Angeles. A rising star in the city’s vibrant jazz community, she has previously released several acclaimed albums, including Mosaic (Ghost Note Records), Landscapes (Fresh Sound), and Introducing Nicole McCabe (Minaret). Her latest project, What Is My Porpoise?, a collaboration with bassist Logan Kane, is currently available, showcasing her unique blend of electro-jazz and improvisation.
Her extensive experience as a sideman includes performances and recordings with jazz luminaries such as Ari Hoenig, Dan Weiss, David Binney, Sasha Berliner, and Amy Aileen Wood, among others. McCabe’s influence in the Los Angeles scene also extends to her work as a teacher and mentor, currently serving as a lecturer at Loyola Marymount University and a mentor in California State University, Northridge’s Jazz Studies program. Additionally, McCabe is a regular contributor to Los Angeles' vibrant improvised music scene, performing at venues like ETA and Altamira Sound.
Release Calendar:
- Jan 22, 2025: Single 1 (TBD) + Album Announcement
- Feb 12, 2025: Single 2 (TBD)
- March 7, 2025: A Song to Sing LP Release
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