Joshua Redman: where are we

A leading voice of his generation, saxophonist-composer Redman ventures into new territory on his Blue Note debut. While his previous 23 albums were all instrumental, he builds this ambitious program around vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, co-winner of the 2021 International Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition. At once intimate and captivating, her voice has an expressive, vulnerable quality that accentuates the drama of Redman’s “After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning),” a tune which, written in response to George Floyd’s murder, conveys a gentle yet riveting power. Redman’s cathartic blowing after her haunting vocal refrain conveys the horror of that tragic event. Guests on this city-themed concept album include guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel on a soul-jazz take on Bruce Springsteen’s anthemic “Streets of Philadelphia,” trumpeter Nicholas Payton on “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,” and vibraphonist Joel Ross on an uncharacteristically reflective “Chicago Blues,” which melds the familiar Count Basie-Jimmy Rushing tune to shimmering U2-like arpeggios. Cavassa conjures up comparisons to Billie Holiday on intimate readings of “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and she shines on a sublime duet with Redman on “Stars Fell on Alabama.”