Grammy Award-winning titan of jazz saxophone Joe Lovano, hailed by The New York Times as "one of the greatest musicians in jazz history," and virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage have enjoyed a long journey of mutual artistic admiration. This new electrifying ensemble also features longtime collaborators Santi Debriano on bass and drummer Will Calhoun.
Douglas J. Cuomo's 'a raft, the sky, the wild sea' is a powerful concerto written for Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, blending contemporary classical form with the expressive freedom of jazz. Structured in three movements, the work moves between moments of stillness and turbulence, inviting the listener into an unfolding, present-tense musical journey. Commissioned by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Winston-Salem Symphony, the piece reflects a close creative partnership between Cuomo and Lovano, whose artistry and openness shape the music from within. Performed here with the Winston-Salem Symphony conducted by Michelle Merrill, the recording captures a distinctive sound world of lyricism, risk and emotional clarity. Dedicated to refugees and displaced people around the world, a raft, the sky, the wild sea is both a personal meditation and a broader reflection on human journeys across uncertain terrain.
Double vinyl LP pressing. The acclaimed Cleveland-born saxophonist Joe Lovano came to Blue Note Records in 1990 and over the next 25 years became one of the most recorded artists in the label's history, building a formidable and far-ranging catalog that explored the full breadth of his artistry. Recorded in September 1997, Trio Fascination: Edition One stands out as one of the more remarkable sessions in Lovano's discography with the saxophonist joining forces with two all-time legends-bassist Dave Holland and drummer Elvin Jones-in a spare trio setting that finds these three masters conversing freely. Throughout Lovano can be heard on tenor, soprano, alto, and straight alto saxophones, as well as alto clarinet, and the set consists of nine creative Lovano originals including the pulsing opener "New York Fascination," the spacious "Sanctuary Park," the Sam Rivers tribute "Studio Rivbea," and a stunning rendition of the lone standard "Ghost of a Chance." This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition marks the album's first-ever release on vinyl.
Joe Lovano's 3rd album Trio Tapestry finds the group extending it's spacious and lyrical approach with deep listening and intense focus. Marilyn Crispell is the optimal pianist for this music, orchestrating it as it unfolds with a sensibility attuned to both contemporary chamber music and post-Coltrane improvising. Drummer Carmen Castaldi, a Lovano associate since teenage years, embellishes the music with his own poetic touch on cymbals and, like Joe, draws blossoming resonances from gongs.
Other Worlds, the new studio album from saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Dave Douglas's Sound Prints quintet was recorded following a week at New York's Village Vanguard in January 2020. Their third full length release, this further nod to jazz visionary Wayne Shorter features boisterous and playful originals as well as a couple of beautiful ballads. The rhythm section features the powerful multi-generational lineup of pianist Lawrence Fields, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Joey Baron, who continue to provide a fluid and firm footing for the two horn players. The album artwork features a unique illustrated cover by cartoonist Dave Chisholm.
Classic: Live At Newport captures the quartet's entire 6-song set, which opened with the swaggering Lovano blues "Big Ben" and featured songs drawn from the band's studio albums including 2 songs written by Hank's brother Thad Jones ("Don't Ever Leave Me" and "Kids Are Pretty People") before closing with a rollicking performance of Oliver Nelson's "Six and Four" to wild applause.
Saxophonist and dynamic improviser Joe Lovano has assembled and incredible line up comprised of legendary pianist Hank Jones, longtime bandmate/ drummer Paul Motian, and the great bassist George Mraz. Collectively they have produced an album of beautiful standards and ballads, though this release is anything but standard.
