Known for his rich tone and deeply informed improvisation, saxophonist and composer Jed Levy returns with Faces and Places, his 11th album as a leader, set for release on April 25, 2025 via A Life in Music Records. With a four-decade presence on the New York City jazz scene, Levy has long been regarded as a “modern master,” praised for both his original compositions and commanding saxophone work.
Faces and Places features 12 original tracks, each one offering a glimpse into Levy’s life through a variety of musical vignettes, from introspective ballads to high-energy grooves.
Over the course of his career, Levy has toured globally—from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road Program in South and Central America to a 16-city run through China and numerous appearances across Europe. He has released ten prior albums as a leader, eight of them on SteepleChase, and has appeared as a sideman on more than 40 recordings. His collaborators have included jazz legends such as Jaki Byard, Jack McDuff, Chico O'Farrill, Jack Walrath, and Peter Leitch, as well as top-tier rhythm sections featuring Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Geoffrey Keezer, John Hicks, George Cables, Ray Drummond, and more.
According to The Penguin Guide to Jazz, "Levy's broad-shouldered tone and confident delivery give him the kind of full-on swing one associates with an earlier generation, but he's soaked in bebop and hard-bop practice."
The Band
On Faces and Places, Levy is joined by a stellar lineup of long-time collaborators and NYC heavyweights:
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Luis Perdomo, piano (Tom Harrell, Miguel Zenón, Ravi Coltrane)
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Peter Slavov, bass (Joe Lovano, Quincy Jones, Paul Winter)
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Alvester Garnett, drums (Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Regina Carter)
After a series of live dates in New York, the chemistry among the quartet inspired Levy to bring the music into the studio. The result is a collection of compositions with strong melodies, modern voicings, and room for each player’s unique voice to shine.
The Music
Each track on Faces and Places tells a story:
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“Email”: Inspired by the AOL inbox chime, this track journeys from a rubato intro to Afro-Cuban grooves and a rock-infused finale—symbolizing the range of emotions email messages can trigger.
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“Danza de Berrios”: A tribute to the late drummer Steve Berrios, featuring rhythms passed down to Garnett directly by Berrios.
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“Calcata”: Named after a mysterious Italian village, the tune captures its enigmatic charm through a haunting slow groove.
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“Twiddle Twaddle”: A playful homage to a friend in Rome, full of lively chatter and musical banter.
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“Coming to Terms”: A ballad about acceptance and resilience, blending jazz harmony with a singer-songwriter sensibility.
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“Saint Simons”: A straight-ahead swinger dedicated to a serene island getaway off the Georgia coast.
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“Personable”: Influenced by West Indian rhythms and 70s fusion, it contains a hidden melodic quote that remains undiscovered by listeners.
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“Tenerife”: Inspired by a planned vacation to the Canary Islands, cut short by volcanic activity.
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“Leading Tone”: Built on a counter-melody between bass and sax, the solo sections break free from the tune’s form.
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“Haiku”: Modeled after the five-syllable structure of Japanese poetry, using restraint and elegance to powerful effect.
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“Partido Tenor”: A playful nod to Brazil’s partido alto rhythm, filtered through Levy’s melodic and harmonic language.
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“Postscript”: A reflective album closer that recalls “Email”’s motif but with new rhythmic and harmonic framing.
A Complete Artistic Statement
From bebop to Afro-Cuban rhythms, West Indian grooves to introspective jazz ballads, Faces and Places encapsulates Jed Levy’s range as a composer and bandleader. His music is sophisticated yet accessible, rooted in tradition but with a forward-looking vision. This album is essential listening for anyone passionate about contemporary jazz with depth, soul, and substance.
Watch:
Jed Levy talks about Faces and Places in his "Living Liner Notes"
1 comment:
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed the CD!
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