Rising star pianist and composer Julian Shore is back with his highly anticipated second trio album, Sub Rosa, set for release on June 6, 2025, via Chill Tone. The album features Shore's remarkable trio, consisting of bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Allan Mednard, and builds on the deeply personal and intuitive chemistry they cultivated on their 2023 debut album. Known for his quiet sophistication and insightful musical voice, Shore once again brings forward a collection of evocative compositions that speak volumes in abstract form.
Sub Rosa—Latin for "under the rose," a symbol historically associated with secrecy and confidential discussions—serves as the perfect metaphor for the album's enigmatic nature. From its intricate melodies to the band’s seamless interplay, the music is a conversation between sounds, emotions, and unspoken narratives. Jazz has always been a coded language, and Shore embraces that concept to its fullest, using it as a tool to convey complex emotions and experiences without explicit explanation.
A Trio's Evolution: From the Debut to Sub Rosa
While their 2023 self-titled debut album was an informal affair recorded soon after the lifting of lockdown restrictions, Sub Rosa reflects over two years of shared experiences and growth. The trio’s remarkable fluidity and sense of trust have been honed over time, and the music flows with a rare sense of ease and precision. Shore’s compositions, though deeply personal, remain open to interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own connection with each track. As Shore explains, his titles hint at his life experiences, but he deliberately keeps their full meaning hidden. “The music is the talking,” he shares, echoing the sentiments of film director David Lynch who once expressed his frustration with explaining the cryptic nature of his work.
Wayne Shorter: A Key Influence on Sub Rosa
One of the most profound influences on Shore’s music is the legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter, who passed on invaluable lessons about musical abstraction. Shore had the privilege of studying with Shorter at Berklee College of Music, and Shorter’s ethos of embracing the unknown is woven throughout Sub Rosa. The album’s opener, “Messenger,” is a direct nod to Shorter’s tenure with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, while the reflective second track, “Mission,” draws inspiration from Shorter’s final words, “It’s time for me to get a new body and continue the mission.”
Shorter’s legacy is felt throughout the entire album, especially in the trio’s take on “All the Things You Are”—a jazz standard that has been endlessly deconstructed by musicians over the years. Shore’s rendition takes this well-known tune to new heights, offering a fresh, kaleidoscopic interpretation. Similarly, the trio’s rendition of Brian Wilson’s “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)” from The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds stays true to its heart while allowing the trio to explore and shape the song’s emotional depth.
Encapsulating the Personal and the Universal
The original compositions on Sub Rosa blend beauty with spontaneity, rooted in Shore’s personal experiences but leaving room for listeners to make their own interpretations. From health struggles close to home to moments of waking dreams, the music embodies a range of emotional landscapes. The trio’s impeccable chemistry is evident in every track, as each member brings their own sense of maturity, intuition, and humor to the table. Shore praises his bandmates: “Allan is one of the most in-demand drummers in New York, and Martin is the most mature musician I’ve ever played with.”
Despite the hidden meanings embedded in the music, the trio’s emotional and intellectual depth is immediately apparent. Sub Rosa rewards the listener who is willing to uncover the layers of complexity and emotion that Shore and his trio have carefully woven into every note.
Track Listing for Sub Rosa
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Messenger
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Mission
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All the Things You Are
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Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)
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Blues in Blueprint
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Pegasus (Wayne Shorter tribute)
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Additional original compositions by Julian Shore
Julian Shore: A Rising Star in the Jazz World
Julian Shore has made a name for himself as one of New York’s most sought-after pianists. His versatile playing has garnered him the respect of his peers and led him to perform with jazz icons such as John Patitucci, Gretchen Parlato, Theo Bleckmann, and George Garzone. Shore has graced the stages of prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The Blue Note, and his performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. In addition to his performing career, Shore is also an educator, serving as a faculty member at the New School and as an artistic consultant for Herbie Hancock’s Masterclass on masterclass.com.
Julian Shore Trio – Sub Rosa Release Info
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Release Date: June 6, 2025
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Label: Chill Tone – CT0004
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Recorded: August 27-28, 2024
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