Lonely Crow Records is proud to announce its first release: forward-thinking trumpeter Jon Crowley's second album, At the Edge. This recording establishes Crowley not only as an artistic force on the rise, but one who is constantly looking to evolve, explore and innovate. While his first release, Connections, was a modern jazz straight-ahead album, At the Edge sees Crowley experimenting more, combining elements of classical minimalism ( la Steve Reich) and indie rock rhythms with jazz improvisation. Crowley never loses his signature lyricism, however. The album is the statement of a mature artist that demonstrates an important direction for the future of jazz.
At the Edge features a stellar cast of young New York City jazz musicians. Ziv Ravitz, who has been touring with Lee Konitz for years and is a powerhouse on the NYC scene, really establishes the feel of the album with his driving, creative drumming. Jeremy Udden, alto sax, rounds out the front line contributing a melodic sense unmatched in contemporary saxophone players. His dry tone blends seamlessly with Crowley's horn; it often sounds as if they are one player, not two. Young virtuoso Julian Waterfall Pollack on piano shows an incredibly bright future as a star in the jazz world. His improvisations brim with an exploratory spirit and enthusiasm. Julian Smith plays bass, providing a full sound that harks back to players like Paul Chambers and Sam Jones. The leader, Jon Crowley demonstrates himself to be a thoughtfully lyrical improviser with a beautifully warm tone. His compositions firmly prove that innovation does not have to be at the expense of beauty.
We at Lonely Crow Records are very excited about At the Edge, which we believe to be one of the best jazz recordings of 2011. Highlights include the title track's climax and the beautifully melancholy duet, “These Four Walls," between Pollack and Crowley.
We hope you enjoy At the Edge,
Stephen Weil
VP, Lonely Crow Records
At the Edge features a stellar cast of young New York City jazz musicians. Ziv Ravitz, who has been touring with Lee Konitz for years and is a powerhouse on the NYC scene, really establishes the feel of the album with his driving, creative drumming. Jeremy Udden, alto sax, rounds out the front line contributing a melodic sense unmatched in contemporary saxophone players. His dry tone blends seamlessly with Crowley's horn; it often sounds as if they are one player, not two. Young virtuoso Julian Waterfall Pollack on piano shows an incredibly bright future as a star in the jazz world. His improvisations brim with an exploratory spirit and enthusiasm. Julian Smith plays bass, providing a full sound that harks back to players like Paul Chambers and Sam Jones. The leader, Jon Crowley demonstrates himself to be a thoughtfully lyrical improviser with a beautifully warm tone. His compositions firmly prove that innovation does not have to be at the expense of beauty.
We at Lonely Crow Records are very excited about At the Edge, which we believe to be one of the best jazz recordings of 2011. Highlights include the title track's climax and the beautifully melancholy duet, “These Four Walls," between Pollack and Crowley.
We hope you enjoy At the Edge,
Stephen Weil
VP, Lonely Crow Records
