Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli makes a compelling case for the enduring vitality of straight-ahead jazz on Decidedly So, a session steeped in tradition yet alive with present-day clarity. Recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio in March 2025 before a small but attentive audience, the album captures a group of seasoned musicians fully at ease with their craft. There’s a sense of purpose here—unforced, confident, and deeply rooted in swing.
Magnarelli is joined by trombonist Steve Davis and a stellar rhythm section: pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Clovis Nicolas, and drummer Rodney Green. Together, they move through a set of originals and standards with precision, warmth, and an easy sense of interplay that never feels overworked.
The opener, “D.J.,” immediately taps into the spirit of mid-’50s hard bop, driven by a buoyant rhythmic pulse. Magnarelli’s tone is crisp and assured, while Davis answers with a robust, lyrical presence. The rhythm section fuels the momentum—Manasia’s piano cuts through with intensity, and Green’s drumming is quick, responsive, and full of subtle accents.
Davis’ composition “Decidedly So” settles into a relaxed medium tempo, offering a thoughtful exchange between trumpet and trombone. The two horns weave together and pull apart with natural ease, supported by harmonic touches from Manasia and Nicolas that feel both grounded and inventive.
On the Richard Rodgers classic “This Nearly Was Mine,” Magnarelli switches to flugelhorn, and the mood shifts instantly. His playing becomes warmer and more introspective, favoring long, flowing phrases. Manasia responds with delicate, rippling lines, while Davis adds depth with a measured, expressive solo. Nicolas anchors the piece with a steady, resonant presence.
A similar sense of restraint shapes Sigmund Romberg’s “When I Grow Too Old To Dream,” which unfolds at a gently forward-moving pace. The horns state the melody with quiet affection before branching into improvisations that feel organic and unforced. Manasia’s phrasing stands out here—his ideas develop naturally, never sounding imposed—while Nicolas continues to demonstrate both strength and versatility.
The album closes with Magnarelli’s “Jimmy’s Blues,” a spirited return to fundamentals. Rooted firmly in the blues tradition, the track gives each player room to stretch. Magnarelli and Davis dig in with rich, expressive lines, Manasia balances grit with elegance at the piano, Nicolas delivers a confident solo, and Green drives the ensemble with clarity and purpose.
Decidedly So doesn’t try to reinvent jazz—it doesn’t need to. Instead, it celebrates the core elements that have sustained the music for generations: swing, melody, interaction, and feel. In doing so, Joe Magnarelli and his band deliver a session that is both grounded and quietly exhilarating.
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