| Jazz |
It is said that 2025 will be the year of atypical albums, so why not delve into the work of Erik Jekabson? Trumpeter, composer, and arranger, Jekabson crafts a universe as fascinating in its orchestral, vocal, and rhythmic dimensions as it is in its daring conception. His latest offering unfolds as a kind of jazz symphony, one that borrows freely from jazz, musical theater, and classical music to form a work as charming as it is whimsical, layered upon a foundation of remarkable complexity.
As an arranger and composer, Jekabson has contributed to symphonic projects with the San Francisco Symphony, the BBC Radio Orchestra, the Utah Symphony, and the “Coltrane: Legacy for Orchestra Project.” His collaborations with vocalists—including Madeleine Peyroux, Ani DiFranco, Jane Krakowski, Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington, and Madeline Eastman—attest to his versatility. His contributions extend to jazz ensembles such as The Daggerboard, the Erik Jekabson String-tet, and his Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, a regular feature at Berkeley’s Jazzschool. Moreover, he co-composed the score for the documentary film Exiled.
It is thus reasonable to view Breakthrough as the sum of these experiences—a sincere and heartfelt poetic endeavor. While this form of artistry may not resonate with everyone, those attuned to eclectic, even globalized cultures will find much to cherish. Jekabson’s openness to musical diversity is further evidenced by his work as a touring trumpeter with John Mayer, Galactic, and Illinois Jacquet, as well as performances and recordings with luminaries such as Taj Mahal, Maceo Parker, Boz Scaggs, and Kermit Ruffins. To date, he has released eight albums under his own name—four of them on his label, Jekab’s Music—and has produced three with the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra.
This stylistic breadth, achievable only by the finest artists, is underpinned by Jekabson’s singular voice as a composer, arranger, and trumpeter. His distinctive tone defies easy comparison, setting him apart in a crowded field. The introductions to his compositions are particularly refined, and the richness of his work lies in the cinematic staging of instruments. Jekabson thinks on a grand scale—in widescreen, so to speak—a perspective that invites the listener to imagine his music as both cinematic and novelistic. His art demands deep engagement.
There are moments when repetitive forms emerge, though they are not the album’s central theme. These motifs, subtly scattered, serve as springboards for musical phrases and instrumental solos, drawing on diverse inspirations that transport listeners to wondrous realms. Enter Into the Jungle P1, a piece that arrives after many adventurous passages. Jekabson takes you by the hand from the very first note, guiding you through his inner world. There is even something Spielbergian in his approach to musical storytelling—imagine the possibilities.
In addition to three solo albums (Erik Jekabson Quintet, Erik Jekabson Sextet, and One Note at a Time), his collaborations feature legends like drummer Mike Clark, bassist Henry “The Skipper” Franklin, and multi-instrumentalist Roger Glenn.
For us, it is inconceivable not to include this album in our “Essentials” series. A musical curiosity of this caliber deserves far more than mere attention—it merits your complete devotion.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 9th 2025
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