Joshua Redman
where are we
Blue Note
Released 09/15/23
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As one of the most prolific jazz artists of the past three decades, dating back to his eponymous 1993 debut album, Joshua Redman has cultivated a durable and dynamic career. After recording stints with Warner Bros. and Nonesuch, the Berkeley, CA bred saxophonist-composer has released his debut album for the iconic Blue Note Records label. Comprised of 13 geographically themed compositions, where are we finds Redman collaborating with an impressive ensemble that includes vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Joe Sanders & drummer Brian Blade, alongside special guests guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, guitarist Peter Bernstein, trumpeter Nicholas Payton & vibraphonist Joel Ross.
“The surface concept of where are we is rather simple,” Redman explains in an official statement. “Each of the songs on the album is about, or at least makes reference to, a specific geographical location (city or state or region) in the United States: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Streets of Philadelphia,’ Count Basie’s ‘Going To Chicago,’ Rodgers & Hart’s ‘Manhattan,’ John Coltrane’s ‘Alabama,’ etc… So, on one level, this is an album ‘about’ America—at once a celebration and a critique. But it is also, to varying degrees, a ballads album, a standards album, an album of romantic longing, an album of social reflection, an album of melodic invention, an album of improvisational adventure, an album of mashups, perhaps even a tribute album of sorts.”
Enjoy listening to the album below, check out the vinyl live stream and “First Look” interview with Blue Note president Don Was, and be sure to catch Redman and his band on tour this fall.
Listen/Watch:
