| Jazz |
Pianist and composer Marc Copland will release his new album “Someday” with a quartet formation on September 1st, 2023, through InnerVoiceJazz. The quartet lineup includes Marc Copland on piano, Robin Verheyen on tenor & soprano saxophones, Drew Gress on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. This New Yorker, abundant in both talent and humor, is sure to make a striking debut on this album. Today, Marc Copland needs no introduction. At 74 years old, he is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of his art, making him one of the few jazz pianists operating at the highest level. John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock most likely thought so; for over 30 years, they played in his groups, and he in theirs. Drew Gress, the other veteran of the group, has been a ubiquitous presence on the jazz scene for three decades. He covers the entire instrument with breathtaking virtuosity, and his understanding of rhythm and harmony is perhaps unmatched among his peers.
Copland and Gress, longtime partners, are joined by two exceptional young talents. Robin Verheyen is a Belgian-American saxophonist who has been playing with Copland for nearly a decade. The pianist states: “He really knows how to listen and has his own sound and approach.” Copland, who has played and recorded over the years with artists such as Bob Berg, Michael Brecker, David Liebman, Joe Lovano, and James Moody, simply says, “Robin is my favorite tenor and soprano saxophonist.” Drummer Mark Ferber is no stranger to jazz listeners, having toured and recorded with Gary Peacock’s trio, Ralph Alessi’s quintet (including two albums for ECM), and countless other projects. He combines effortless technical skill, irresistible swing, high intensity, and serene sensitivity, all within a single ensemble.
That being said, we are completely captivated by the compositions and arrangements of the highest caliber that push each musician further with each track. Undoubtedly, in terms of composition, this is one of the most delightful albums I’ve had in my hands this year, alongside Anthony Branker’s “What a Place Can Be For Us?” which I discussed a while back HERE.
Copland is one of those musicians for whom composition is a profound intellectual art, perfectly adept at wielding the art of the musical phrase. The writing is so compelling that the performers deftly navigate each track on this album, giving their best artistic expression.
But Marc Copland’s poetry isn’t limited to musical composition; he states: “I never come into the studio with all the songs selected and prepared. I like to leave room for something to happen and encourage the group members to participate in decision-making and music formation. When everyone is involved, you get this thing where the group sounds and feels like a unique living organism.”
And perhaps that’s part of the genius of this album, the confidence that Copland places in his musicians that creates this beautiful chemistry and makes it a precious album. Both the Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move editorial teams say to you, “Someday” is an “Indispensable” album.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 13th 2023
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