| Jazz |
Once upon a time… Just as his bass lines never stay within obvious boundaries, Joe Sanders’ life as a bassist, composer, bandleader, and educator has never followed the most discernible path. Originally from the Midwest, he studied and played jazz on both coasts, in California and New York. A master of the double bass, he’s equally comfortable with digital production, deeply rooted in the living tradition of American jazz, and lives, teaches, and creates in Europe. All these different aspects come together in his third album as a leader, *Parallels*.
Joe Sanders is probably one of the most interesting bassists in the U.S. today. Here, on his third album as a leader, he’s accompanied by Logan Richardson on alto saxophone (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4), Seamus Blake on tenor saxophone (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4), Gregory Hutchinson on drums (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4), Jure Pukl on tenor saxophone (track 6), and Taylor Eigsti on piano & keyboards (track 10). Whether on double bass or electric bass, his style captivates from the first track—a jazz almost rock-like that intoxicates you at first listen. Then comes the poetic element, with phrases arriving like stories. The album presents four live recordings from a dream line-up, with the strong presence of Sanders’ double bass supported by tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, alto saxophonist Logan Richardson, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Their performances reflect all the boldness and dynamism of the East Coast jazz scene. Jazz is rarely as intimate and direct as it is here. On “Life on Earth,” you’ll hear the appearance of Elioté—Joe Sanders’ 5-year-old son—on melodica, highlighting a creative process unfolding before the listener.
From my perspective, the choice to record live makes this Joe Sanders’ most exciting album, giving it a dynamic that’s very difficult to capture in the studio. And of course, we enjoy hearing Joe Sanders’ son, so young and already part of the movement. There’s no doubt that with such a father, the boy will go far, though from a 5-year-old’s point of view, the road still seems long! *Parallels* showcases the diversity of Joe Sanders’ musicality while maintaining a unity of purpose and intention that makes it a captivating whole. “I believe that records are a way to show where you are and where you’re going. It’s all a challenge for me to express what I’m learning because that’s what growing means. I feel really confident with this one because it’s all my music here—not just jazz, not just inside, not just outside—bringing all facets together in parallel.”
Between the humanity that emanates from the compositions and the complexity of a jazz that requires a broad-mindedness and deep understanding of the genre to fully embrace, Sanders adds: “I believe that recordings reveal where you are and where you’re going. It’s a challenge for me to express what I’ve learned because that’s what growth is about. I feel confident with this new album because it’s all my music here—not just jazz, not just inside, not just outside—all sides are brought together in parallel.” Joe Sanders.
Of course, there’s no question here—this album is a “must-have,” allowing us to view the world differently, to feel the vibrations produced by these artists, plunging us into an urban poetic form that has just the right touch of intellect, exactly as we love it!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 8th 2024
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