New Jonathan Finlayson Release, Upcoming Performances and David Virelles

“An album featuring a powerful new sextet, in which well-placed, almost pugilistic movements carry a Zen-like purpose. Half of the credit for that goes to Mr. Finlayson’s entangled, houndstooth compositions. The rest goes to his band, a top-flight crew of 30- and 40-something improvisers.” – Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times

“The coiled intricacies in the composition are true to form, as is the intrepid assurance of the improvising, across the board.” – Nate Chinen, WBGO

“If you dig sterling modern jazz, Jonathan Finlayson is a name to memorize. At the age of 36, the Californian trumpet ace is flying way above the standards… On the newest 3 Times Round he is joined in the frontline by two vibrant saxophonists – altoist Steve Lehman and tenorist Brian Settles – whose fieriness and passion help taking Finlayson’s compositions to a level that many experienced musicians would aspire to reach…. This is a must-have album from a rising trumpet star and smart composer whose innovative jazz perspective has absolutely everything one might ask for. One of the year’s very best.” – Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail

“The sound of this ensemble is so full yet never cluttered nor clichéd.  The sextet is emotionally and musically attached to this project all the way through.” – Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

Pi Recordings latest release, Jonathan Finlayson’s third record as a bandleader, 3 Times Around, has been lauded by music critics for its intricate composition and masterful musicianship. Finlayson continues to be celebrated as an integral performer and composer of his day:

“…Finlayson is smart and complex but also lets the players play and generate heat. He’s building a career that speaks well of the music’s potential to be cerebral and strutting at once.” – Will Laymen, Pop Matters

Will also gives special praise to Finlayson’s Pianist, Matt Mitchell saying, “Mitchell is special—and he shows it on his solo here—because he weaves together understanding of perhaps four distinct and critical jazz piano traditions, pulling in impressionistic texture from Bill Evans/Hancock, ravenous but dynamic attack from Cecil Taylor/Don Pullen, the rhythmic rush of Bud Powell, and the comfort with abstract melodic logic of Paul Bley.”

Matt will be heading into the studio in the winter to document a new band for a 2019 release on Pi.

Starting this Sunday, Tyshawn Sorey will be headlining a three night residence at The Kitchen from October 21st  to the 23rd featuring a different grouping each night. Also this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Steve Coleman & Five Elements will be performing two sets a night at the Jazz Gallery.

Finally, our last release of the year comes out in two weeks. David Virelles’ Igbó Alákọrin (The Singer’s Grove) Vol. I & II is out October 26th.