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8-panel Digipak Album
“The session works like a dream: trim, skillful, and as rhythmically vibrant as the metropolis that the recording celebrates.”
— Steve Futterman, The New Yorker
“Trio jazz of this quality is to be prized.”
— Peter Vacher, Jazzwise
“CITY OF SOUNDS, a superb trio date celebrating New York for its jazz legacy as well as its present vitality.”
— Dan Ouellette, Downbeat
***
Drummer Joe Farnsworth celebrates the fortitude of New York City’s jazz community with CITY OF SOUNDS featuring legendary pianist Kenny Barron and stellar bassist Peter Washington. Captured onstage at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, the three are reunited from Farnsworth’s previous release, TIME TO SWING, which also included Wynton Marsalis in the line-up. Here, Farnsworth sticks to the classic piano trio, a format in which he’s thrived throughout his storied career, including collaborations with McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, Hank Jones, David Hazeltine, and ELEW, among many others.
Still in masks, separated by plastic barriers, playing to an empty club for an audience of virtual listeners streaming the music live at home—none of these inconveniences are reflected in the incredible music. In fact, the trio plays with as much or more vigor, wit, and muscularity as if the place was packed, delivering a rollicking set that spans the stylistic spectrum. This example of musical grit and determination by his bandmates is one of the reasons that Farnsworth remains so dedicated to his adopted hometown, and why he was so proud to see it survive the incredible challenges of a turbulent period.
“People ask all the time if it’s still relevant to come to New York anymore,” Farnsworth concludes. “Without a doubt, if you were to spend a year here you would be a better musician. Why? Charlie Parker’s not here, but you still feel him. Monk’s not here, but you still feel him. Their presence flows through the streets. It flows through the people. It’s the ultimate power source.”
released October 1, 2021
Kenny Barron – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
Recorded on February 19 – 21, 2021 at SMOKE, New York City
Produced by Paul Stache & Damon Smith
Recorded by Edwin Huet & Paul Stache
Mixed & Mastered by Christopher Allen
Photography by John Abbott
Design by Damon Smith
Special thanks to Eric Gross at Zildjian and to Michael Rahman Fashions.
Executive Producers: Paul Stache & Molly Johnson
