Jason Anick & Jason Yeager Find a Safe Haven
Violinist Anick and pianist Yeager reunite for a genre-defying album that responds to global upheaval with musical introspection and collaborative spirit.
Violinist Jason Anick and pianist Jason Yeager have teamed up again for their second co-led album, Sanctuary, out October 11, 2024, on Sunnyside Records. The new collection looks at what "safe harbor" means in the real world and our minds.
Sanctuary picks up where their 2017 debut, United, left off, showing how Anick and Yeager have grown together as musicians. They're joined by a solid group: Billy Buss on trumpet and flugelhorn, Greg Loughman on bass, and Mike Connors on drums. The album also features guest spots from Jason Palmer on trumpet, Edmar Colón on tenor sax, and Naseem Alatrash on cello.
Recent world events shaped the album's creation. When the pandemic hit pause on their original plans, Anick and Yeager used the time to fine-tune their material. Anick shares, "We wanted to write together and create a unified sound. We also wanted our music to reflect what's happening in the world."
The album opens with "Futures Past," a tune about how today's events can change the future we once imagined. As the record unfolds, it touches on themes of time and memory. "Nearness of Now" tips its hat to the jazz tradition, while "Ephemory" captures how quickly memories can slip away.
Yeager's "AI Apocalypse" takes a more experimental route, using unconventional techniques and futuristic synth sounds. On the flip side, "Colorado," the album's only violin-piano duet, offers a folky break that celebrates nature's healing power.
The duo also puts their spin on some classics. They offer a fresh take on Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude and tackle Wayne Shorter's "Lost," featuring a fine tenor solo from Edmar Colón.
Advanced praise for the record comes from Grammy winner Luciana Souza, noting the album's "focused energy, groove, counterpoint, emotion, and heart." Saxophonist Miguel Zenón adds his approval, calling out the "great writing and playing by everyone involved."
Lawrence Peryer
Anick and Yeager's musical partnership dates back to their teen years in Boston. Since then, they've made their names as composers, performers, and teachers. Both currently teach at Berklee College of Music.
Sanctuary is out on October 11, 2024. The duo will play album release shows at the Regattabar in Cambridge on September 27 and Birdland Jazz Club in New York City on October 14.
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