(Reprinted from the July 2024 issue of New York City Jazz Record)
Jeremy Pelt’s latest record, Tomorrow’s Another Day (High Note), marks a “departure from what people have known me to be,” the prolific trumpeter writes in the album’s liner notes. This departure doesn’t alter his approach to performance—his exquisite playing is still the focal point of each tune. Rather, he experiments here with sonic design, shaking up the usual instrumentation, form, and tenor of his compositions.
Assisting in this effort is drummer and “creative technologist” Deantoni Parks, who contributed electronic enhancements on (and co-wrote with Pelt) three of the album’s seven originals. The first of these, the opener “Ante Meridien,” rides on the sometimes disrupted pulse of Parks’ drumming as much as Pelt’s charismatic soloing, while the second, “Milocraft (It’s A Cartoon World),” too, succumbs to Park’s restless tempo, even as Pelt extemporizes serenely above it. The co-composers use this same technique on “Basquiat,” the penultimate track, to superb effect, somehow managing to strike a steady balance between bustling speed and unfettered lyricism for the tune’s duration.
This album also introduces Pelt’s new band, each a master (like Pelt) of the well-crafted improvisation, even as the group prioritizes cohesion over spotlight. Listen for vibraphonist Jalen Baker’s resounding bebop soloing (“Earl J”); keyboardist Frank LoCrasto’s dynamic changes and bassist Leighton McKinley Harrell’s uncompromising pace-setting (“No A.I.”); drummer Allan Mednard’s subdued thrumming handwork (“Amma Is Here”); and guitarist Alex Wintz’s standout blue-rock guitar breaks (the title track).
Aside from these rhythmically exciting originals, Pelt included one known title in the album’s set list: “People” from the Broadway show Funny Girl and the only ballad on the release. In Pelt’s hands this Broadway showpiece morphs into an achingly glorious aria for trumpet—note that wherever Pelt’s musicianship takes him, such splendor is the through-line.—Suzanne Lorge
Tomorrow’s Another Day: Ante Meridien, No A.I., Earl J, Amma Is Here, Milocraft, People, Basqiat, Tomorrow’s Another Day (43:50).
Personnel: Jeremy Pelt, trumpet; Jalen Baker, vibraphone; Alex Wintz, guitar; Leighton McKinley Harrell, acoustic & electric bass; Allan Mednard, drums (tracks 2, 3, 4 & 8); Deantoni Parks, drums (tracks 1, 5 & 7); Frank LoCrasto, Fender Rhodes (track 2) & piano (track 7).