This 2020 set captures Akinmusire leading a septet through a set of searching, often politically charged compositions. The album blends intricate arrangements with moments of intense improvisation, reflecting the turbulent times in which it was recorded.
- The album was recorded in Los Angeles with longtime collaborators like guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Kenshini Kono.
- It was released amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social justice protests, themes that resonate throughout the music.
- The title, "on the tender spot of every calloused moment," is drawn from a poem by the artist Carl Hancock Rux.
Ambrose Akinmusire is a Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter and composer from Oakland, California. His work synthesizes elements of post-bop, avant-garde, and contemporary classical music. This 2020 album arrived after a period of compositional exploration and marked a move toward more structured ensemble work.
Tracklist
