| Jazz |
I don’t know if it’s mere coincidence, but March is Women’s Month, and, by some stroke of fortune, we are currently being treated to a wealth of outstanding female-led albums, among them, this remarkable project, a quartet of distinguished musicians. Spearheaded by the award-winning jazz artist Pureum Jin, this endeavor breathes new life into jazz standards while delivering a powerful message about representation and artistry in the jazz world.
Alongside Jin, The Empress unites an extraordinary trio of saxophonists: two-time Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian (who also served as the album’s production advisor), internationally acclaimed alto saxophonist Erena Terakubo, and the versatile tenor saxophonist Chelsea Baratz. The quartet is anchored by a formidable rhythm section featuring Steve Ash on piano, Joey Ranieri on bass, and Pete Van Nostrand on drums.
From the very first track, the group’s rock influences are unmistakable. While the form remains classic, the substance is nothing short of explosive, a sheer delight to hear musicians of this caliber perform with such intensity, even incorporating subtle hints of New Orleans flavor at times. Though the setlist may not boast original compositions, the arrangements themselves speak volumes to both music lovers and seasoned professionals. The group’s remarkable cohesion is utterly captivating, and this ensemble promises to deliver electrifying moments on festival stages this summer, an outcome we can only wish for them!
“It’s sometimes difficult to advance my career, especially with late-night jam sessions,” Jin confesses, a mother of two young children. “Jazz remains a world where parenthood can complicate things.” Rather than allow these challenges to hold her back, Jin envisioned a new stage for herself and her peers, one that honors jazz icons like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane while providing a platform for female instrumentalists. This vision gave birth to Square One, an album that seamlessly blends standards with original compositions, performed with both reverence and vibrant energy. It stands as a testament to the genre’s timelessness and the immense talent of its performers.
The true beauty of this album lies in the artistic vision of these musicians, who infuse these works with a refreshing perspective. Their improvisations are rich with meaning, paying tribute to the composers who first brought these pieces to life. Jin’s inspiration for Square One dates back to her experience as the sole female musician in Michael Lutzeier’s Supersax Korea project in the early 2010s. Lutzeier’s timeless arrangements remained etched in her memory for over a decade and now form the backbone of Square One. The album features two of his compositions (Instant Composure and Reminiscing), alongside Jin’s refined arrangements of Everything Happens to Me (a tribute to Charlie Parker with Strings), Stablemates, Milestones, and more.
Indeed, it is their rendition of Milestones that perhaps best showcases the brilliance of these artists. A thoughtful reinvention of the theme, it injects fresh energy into the bebop style in a spectacular fashion. “The tempos are blistering, the compositions classic, and the solos bold and agile,” writes journalist Natalie Weiner in the album’s liner notes. “Pieces like Stablemates and Milestones recall an era when jazz was even more steeped in machismo than it is today, so hearing them reinterpreted by a quartet of women is all the more exhilarating.” This sentiment rings profoundly true, I have witnessed it firsthand over the years while filming some of the greatest jazz artists for television productions across the globe. While progress has certainly been made, vigilance remains essential.
An album as indispensable as it is necessary, one that nourishes the soul and even brings a smile to your face. Highly recommended, so much so that its therapeutic benefits ought to be covered by health insurance!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, March 14th 2025
Follow PARIS-MOVE on X
::::::::::::::::::::::
Tracklisting:
1. Instant Composure
2. But Not For Me
3. Caravan
4. Everything Happens To Me
5. Bolivia
6. Stablemates
7. Mr. Syms
8. Nica’s Dream
9. Milestones
10. Reminiscing
11. Yearnin’