How Can It Be?, by Gordon Lee

How Can It Be?

by Gordon Lee

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$7 USD or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
An old-fashioned plastic disc in a cardboard case

Includes unlimited streaming of How Can It Be? via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 14 days

$10 USD or more

1.	How Can It Be? 07:36	buy track
2.	Hypatia 06:41	buy track
3.	Angry Mother Nature 06:28	buy track
4.	A Robin Weeps 04:29 video	buy track
5.	Show Pain 04:50	buy track
6.	Shaky Assets 04:37	buy track
7.	Too Soon 05:31	buy track
8.	Bozo Sulks on the Golf Course 04:13	buy track
9.	'Deed I Did It 03:00	buy track

about

Gordon Lee, a Portland jazz piano legend, has returned with a brand new album titled "How Can It Be." Joining him on this incredible musical journey are Renato Caranto on tenor sax, Dennis Caiazza on bass, and Gary Hobbs on drums. Together, they create a sonic experience that is not to be missed.

The opening track, "How Can It Be," immediately captures the listener's attention with Lee's intricate piano work and Caranto's soulful tenor saxophone. The chemistry between the musicians is palpable, and their improvisations are both bold and sensitive.

On "Hypatia," Lee's sensitive touch on the keys perfectly complements Caranto's tender saxophone melodies, evoking a sense of restlessness. Caiazza's bass work and Hobbs' drumming provide the perfect foundation for the emotional depth of the piece.

Lee's composition "A Robin Weeps" features a funky, upbeat groove that showcases the quartet's undeniable energy and virtuosity. The interplay between the musicians is electric, with each member taking turns at the forefront and pushing the others to new heights.

The album's stand-out track, "Too Soon," is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that allows Lee to showcase his skill as a composer and pianist. The passing of Portland Jazz Force of Nature, Carlton Jackson, was the inspiration for the piece. Caranto's and Lee's solos are delicate and poignant, while Caizza's bass and Hobbs' drumming provide a gentle and supportive rhythm.

"How Can It Be" is a testament to Gordon Lee's continued evolution as a musician and bandleader. The quartet's synergy is undeniable, and each member's individual talents shine through in every note. Fans of Portland jazz, or jazz in general, will not be disappointed by this outstanding release.

Gordon's Liner Notes:

These songs of mine reflect the world now. How can it be? “Hypatia” was a brilliant philosopher, mathematician and astronomer murdered by a mob of religious fanatics in 415 in Alexandria, Egypt. “Angry Mother Nature” and “A Robin Weeps” are laments for our changing, beleaguered natural planet. “Show Pain” is derived from a Chopin nocturne and “Shaky Assets” demands that you dance when times are uncertain. “Too Soon” is an elegy for Carlton Jackson, the original drummer in this quartet. “Bozo Sulks on the Golf Course” is composed for our last president. “‘Deed I Did It” is a sprightly contrafact on “‘Deed I Do”.

In spring of 2020 I started playing concerts on my front porch. I lived on a quiet street where people would bring folding chairs to set up and listen and sometimes dance to my original music as well as jazz standards. All night clubs were closed then because of covid so people were eager to hear free live music (donations accepted). This band played every couple of weeks in the summer with Renato Caranto, Dennis Caiazza and Carlton Jackson, the great drummer, musicologist and radio DJ who passed away suddenly in 2021. It was devastating to me but I had to keep the music going. Gary joined the band then. This album is the direct result of those summertime concerts. It is dedicated to Carlton’s memory.

credits

released June 16, 2023

Gordon Lee, piano and compositions;
Renato Caranto, tenor sax;
Dennis Caiazza, bass;
Gary Hobbs, drums

Recorded and Mixed by Billy Oskay
Recorded at Big Red Studio, October 20-21, 2022
Mastered by Dana White at Specialized Mastering
Executive Producer: Ryan Meagher
Photos by Douglas Detrick
Art by Tiny Little Hammers
Thanks to Amie Rose
This album is dedicated to the memory of Carlton Jackson

license

about

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble Portland, Oregon

PJCE Records is a grassroots recording label documenting the wide variety of original music being created by Portland area jazz composers and improvisers. We aim to provide an outlet to encourage the dissemination of new music in the area as well as fostering community within the jazz and improvised music scene in Portland. We release one album per month digitally and/or in limited CD pressings. ... more

pjce.org

contact / help

Contact Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like How Can It Be?, you may also like:

Farewell / Despedida
by Marcel Bonfim

featured on Bandcamp Radio Nov 7, 2023
go to album
For Chaching Taphed
by sneaky jesus

Avant-jazz from Poland with corkscrewing horn arrangements and cockeyed time signatures. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 16, 2023
go to album
Bastard Ideals
by Eric Nachtrab

Avant-garde jazz that makes plenty of room for atmospheric, dub-like echoes and an array of jagged melodies. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 8, 2023
go to album
Vista Cruiser
by 58 Belvedere

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jan 10, 2023
go to album
FELIX
by Nim Sadot

Jazz bassist Nim Sadot pays homage to the life of his his late grandfather, a Polish artist who escaped a Soviet labor camp. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 1, 2022
go to album
Wildflower
by WILDFLOWER

featured on Bandcamp Radio Jul 4, 2017
go to album
October Book Part Three
by Kenosha Kid

You can hear elements of jazz, post-rock, folk music, and tons more in the evocative new LP from Kenosha Kid. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 8, 2022
go to album