Giant Step Arts continues its acclaimed Modern Masters and New Horizons series with the release of Tomorrow Is Today, the debut recording from The Phoenix Trio, arriving June 19, 2026.
Bringing together three of contemporary jazz’s most respected voices—tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Marcus Gilmore—The Phoenix Trio embodies the spirit of renewal that inspired its name. Like the mythical bird that rises from its ashes, the ensemble draws deeply from jazz tradition while creating music that feels entirely alive in the present moment.
Turner, widely regarded as one of the premier tenor saxophonists of his generation, joins forces with Martin, known for his rich tone and harmonic sophistication, and Gilmore, whose innovative approach to rhythm has redefined modern jazz drumming. Individually, each is an acclaimed bandleader and frequent headliner at New York’s Village Vanguard. Together, they form a collective built on compositional depth, fearless improvisation, and a shared musical language developed over decades.
The trio’s name reflects more than symbolism. Turner points to the recurring significance of the number three throughout culture, spirituality, science, and music. For him, the phoenix represents rebirth, transformation, and creative immortality—qualities that define both jazz itself and the collaborative spirit of this ensemble.
Unlike the fiery image often associated with the phoenix, the group embraces a more gradual process of transformation. Their music unfolds through careful interaction, balance, and exploration. Martin, a longtime admirer of the saxophone trio format, values the freedom and conversational possibilities created by the absence of a chordal instrument. The result is a musical environment where each voice carries equal weight and responsibility.
That sense of equality extends to the album’s repertoire. All three musicians contribute original compositions, creating a program that reflects the ensemble’s cooperative ethos. Martin provides four pieces, including family-inspired works that frame the album. Turner contributes “1946,” a tribute inspired by the artistry of Tom Harrell, while Gilmore’s “Harvest” adds its own earthy richness to the collection. Several performances feature freely improvised introductions built around thematic material, further emphasizing the trio’s commitment to collective creation.
Recorded live before an audience at Brooklyn’s Ornithology Club over two days in March 2025, Tomorrow Is Today captures a band discovering new dimensions within familiar material. Rehearsal was intentionally minimal. Instead, the musicians relied on years of shared experience and mutual trust, allowing the music to evolve organically from performance to performance.
The album stands as another significant release in Giant Step Arts’ Modern Masters and New Horizons series, curated by trumpeter Jason Palmer in partnership with the organization. The initiative highlights both established innovators and emerging artists who continue to shape the future of jazz.
Founded in 2018 by Jimmy and Dena Katz, Giant Step Arts has become one of the most artist-centered organizations in modern jazz. Dedicated to commissioning, presenting, recording, and promoting creative work without commercial constraints, the nonprofit allows musicians to maintain full ownership of their recordings while receiving production, promotional, and performance support.
Jimmy Katz’s influence on the jazz world extends far beyond the organization. An award-winning photographer and respected recording engineer, Katz has contributed to more than 600 recording projects and photographed some of the most important figures in jazz history, including Sonny Rollins, Keith Jarrett, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny, and Dizzy Gillespie. Through both sound and image, his work has helped document and preserve the evolving story of jazz for nearly three decades.
With Tomorrow Is Today, The Phoenix Trio delivers a compelling debut that balances introspection, virtuosity, and collective imagination. It is a recording rooted in experience yet focused firmly on the future—a fitting addition to a series dedicated to celebrating jazz’s enduring capacity for reinvention.
The Phoenix Trio – Tomorrow Is Today will be released by Giant Step Arts on June 19, 2026.
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