Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger is celebrating the release of his stunning new album Ballads with a European tour from May 3 to May 10, 2025. The album, released by Chill Tone Records, showcases Preminger’s unique ability to create lush, emotionally rich music. The European tour will see Preminger performing in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg, bringing his exquisite sound to jazz lovers across the continent.
Tour Dates & Locations
The Ballads album release tour will feature performances with Preminger’s stellar ensemble, which includes pianist Julian Shore, bassist Phil Donkin, and drummer Leif Berger. Here’s where you can catch them live:
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Saturday, May 3: Birdland, Am Karlsplatz A 52, Neuburg, Germany
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Sunday, May 4: Stanzerei, Bruggerstrasse 37, Baden, Switzerland
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Tuesday & Wednesday, May 6-7: Bird’s Eye, Kohlenberg 20, Basel, Switzerland
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Friday, May 9: Stockwerk, Jakominiplatz 18, Graz, Austria
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Saturday, May 10: International Jazz Festival, Dudelange, Luxembourg
About the Album: Ballads
Released on February 21, 2025, Ballads is an exploration of lyrical beauty through the lens of jazz. The album pays homage to jazz legends like John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon, blending original compositions with carefully selected standards and even a surprising cover of a Sun Kil Moon song.
The album has garnered widespread acclaim. In DownBeat, Peter Margasak praised Preminger’s approach, saying the album "casts a mesmerizing spell." Similarly, Rick Anderson of CD Hotlist called it "heart-tuggingly beautiful," while Jeff Krow from Audiophile Audition noted Preminger’s ability to evoke the warmth and sophistication of jazz greats like Dexter Gordon and Stan Getz.
Preminger’s Vision for Ballads
Noah Preminger’s Ballads isn’t just a collection of slow-tempo tunes—it’s an artistic statement that invites listeners into a world of soulful improvisation. "I’ve always loved ballad playing," says Preminger, citing influences such as John Coltrane’s rendition of “Lush Life” and Michael Brecker’s “The Meaning of the Blues.” Ballads is an exploration of that tradition, where each note is delivered with intent, and every solo tells a story.
This project marks a new chapter in Preminger’s illustrious career, moving from the fiery and experimental paths he’s previously explored into a more intimate and contemplative realm. The result is an album that combines restraint and emotion, demonstrating Preminger’s mastery in both technique and expression.
Highlights of the Album
One of the standout moments of Ballads is Preminger’s haunting interpretation of “Carry Me Ohio,” a song originally by indie-folk band Sun Kil Moon. The track brings an emotional depth to the album, inspired by Preminger’s personal connection to the song. He recalls playing it repeatedly for his son while he was still in the womb, adding a layer of sentiment that resonates deeply within the performance.
The album also features the Gershwin classic “Someone to Watch Over Me,” which begins as a duet with Preminger and longtime collaborator Cass before the rest of the quartet enters, weaving a dream-like atmosphere around the timeless melody.
Recording Process & Collaborations
The album’s lush sound is the result of a close collaboration between Preminger and the team at Chill Tone Records, including Grammy-winning engineer Chris Leon. Founded in 2023, Chill Tone Records has quickly established itself as a label dedicated to high-quality jazz recordings, working with some of the finest contemporary artists in the genre.
“The quality of the sound for a record like this is hugely important to me,” Preminger explains. “Chill Tone really focused on bringing out the lush qualities of this music, and I think they did an amazing job.”
What Critics Are Saying About Ballads
Critics have been quick to praise Preminger’s approach on Ballads, highlighting his ability to balance modernism with tradition. Jack Kenny of All About Jazz noted that the album showcases Preminger’s ability to interpret songs with “economy, soul, and superior technique.” The production from Chill Tone Records is also lauded for its beauty, capturing the subtlety and nuance of the performance.
Noah Preminger’s Legacy in Jazz
Brooklyn-based saxophonist Noah Preminger is no stranger to critical acclaim. A two-time winner of DownBeat Magazine’s “Rising Star – Tenor Saxophonist” award, Preminger has released nearly two dozen albums as a bandleader, each showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of jazz. His previous works include bold explorations like Meditations on Freedom, a protest album released on Inauguration Day 2017, and Preminger Plays Preminger, a tribute to the music of filmmaker Otto Preminger.
With Ballads, Preminger offers a new chapter in his artistic journey, one that embraces the beauty of simplicity and allows his tenor saxophone to shine in its purest, most intimate form.
Noah Preminger’s Ballads is a deeply moving and masterfully crafted album that will resonate with jazz fans and music lovers alike. Through his soulful performances and impeccable technique, Preminger creates a sound that lingers in the heart, inviting listeners into a world where every note tells a story. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable saxophonist live on his European tour from May 3-10.
Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to catch one of the tour stops to witness the beauty of Ballads in person!
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