New York City, a global hub of commerce, finance, technology, academia, and the arts, teems with millions of people and endless stories. For keyboardist, composer, and producer John Smatla—who records under the name Ultrablue—the city serves as an infinite source of inspiration. Drawing from his own experiences, Smatla has created a six-song EP titled New York Stories, set to release on March 21 via SRS Records. The EP blends contemporary jazz, soulful R&B grooves, Latin rhythms, and vibrant pop sensibilities, offering a musical snapshot of the city’s electric energy.
This marks Ultrablue’s third collection and its first in nineteen years. The EP’s foundation was laid with “Until We’re All Free,” a single released years ago, followed by three others that set the stage for the new project. The fifth single, “The Girl with the Sunflower Tattoo,” will be released on Valentine’s Day, featuring poetic piano melodies and strong, dynamic rhythms. Smatla’s layered instrumentation creates intricate textures and harmonies, with New York City’s energy as a vivid backdrop for the stories within. His piano and keyboard work serve as a guide to his musical journey.
Opening the EP, “New York Story” offers a musical homage to Manhattan’s architecture and mystique, inspired by Smatla’s Cleveland roots. The horn-heavy track, featuring David Mann and the New York Voices, nods to the theme songs of 1960s detective shows composed by Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, and Oliver Nelson, with a retro twist.
Smatla’s “Until We’re All Free” was written during the social justice protests of 2022, capturing the passion of the movement. He explains, “In the absence of traditional lyrics, the harmonies and melody lines needed to convey a sense of resolution and determination.” The track features wordless vocals from Philip Hamilton (Pat Metheny Group), brass from James Hodsonhast, bass from Hubert Eaves IV, and drummer Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra).
On “Herbie,” Smatla pays tribute to jazz legend Herbie Hancock and his roots in New York’s jazz scene. Hancock’s drummer Trevor Lawrence guests on the track, which also features bassist Cornelius Mims, The Chop Horns, and a soprano saxophone solo by Eric Knight. Smatla explains, “I created funky riffs that could’ve come from Hancock’s 1970s albums, mixing contemporary jazz with his signature bluesy piano licks.”
“Maria in Blue” features expressive acoustic guitar by Bernd Schoenhart and Smatla’s sensual piano, telling the story of a passionate love affair with a woman from his past. “She was a statuesque beauty, wearing a blue dress one warm evening. Our eyes locked, and it was the start of something unforgettable,” recalls Smatla.
“We Were in Love” explores the bittersweet theme of lost romance. With seven-time Grammy winner Randy Brecker on flugelhorn, Grammy-nominated guitarist Chieli Minucci, and Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo, Smatla’s impassioned piano leads a tune that shifts from brooding to hopeful, with celestial vocalizations from Darmon Meader (New York Voices).
The EP concludes with the downtempo “The Girl with the Sunflower Tattoo,” featuring Minucci’s electric guitar and Mann’s horns over a taut rhythm section. The track is inspired by a real woman from a tough neighborhood, whose rough exterior hid a vulnerable side symbolized by her single sunflower tattoo.
Ultrablue debuted in 2003 with Dusk 2 Dawn, featuring performances by notable NYC musicians like Dave Stryker, Rachel Z, and Kevin Mahogany. The follow-up album peaked at No. 4 on Amazon’s bestsellers list, with the hit song “Shiver” leading to a growing fan base. Smatla continues to evolve as Ultrablue, planning live performances this summer with a revolving cast of musicians.
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