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Ruminations

by Kerry Politzer

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jazzrev
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  • Streaming + Download

    Pre-order of Ruminations. You get 1 track now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
    Purchasable with gift card
    releases May 23, 2024

      $7 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    A Shrink wrapped 4 panel Digipak CD

    Includes digital pre-order of Ruminations. You get 1 track now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
    shipping out on or around May 23, 2024

      $10 USD or more 

     

1.
Hay Ride
2.
Letting Go
3.
Faraway Dreams 04:30
buy track
4.
Saida
5.
Ruminations
6.
Cudgel
7.
Lazy
8.
Persistent Memory
9.
A Breeze Comes
10.
Things Change Or Stay The Same

about

Pianist Kerry Politzer's eighth album, Ruminations, is more than just a collection of songs; it's a tapestry woven from the threads of experience. Politzer, a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory, brings a depth of knowledge and emotional intelligence to her work, evident in both the selection and execution of her compositions.

The album unfolds like a personal scrapbook. "Hay Ride" evokes a bucolic past, its playful melody reminiscent of childhood summers spent in Maryland. This sense of remembrance continues with "Cudgel," a poignant tribute to Politzer's composition mentor and free-jazz pioneer Jimmy Giuffre. Here, Politzer's piano dances with echoes of Giuffre's iconoclastic spirit, a testament to the enduring influence of artistic lineage.

But Ruminations is not solely a celebration of the past. Tracks like "Persistent Memory" and "Saída" delve into more introspective territory. Politzer's use of dissonance and shifting tempos creates a sense of unease, mirroring the complexities of navigating difficult emotions. These introspective moments are balanced by the ethereal beauty of "Faraway Dreams" and the gentle acceptance of "Letting Go."

The title track, "Ruminations," serves as a summation of the album's journey. It's a piece that lingers, a meditation on the cyclical nature of memory and the human condition.

Politzer is ably supported by a stellar band. Drummer George Colligan provides a nuanced foundation, while saxophonist Tim Willcox and bassist Garrett Baxter weave their own narratives around the piano's central voice. The interplay between these musicians is a masterclass in collaborative improvisation, creating a dynamic and cohesive listening experience.

Ruminations is a testament to the enduring power of the piano as a vessel for personal expression. Politzer's compositions are both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant, offering listeners a glimpse into her artistic world. This is an album that rewards repeat listens, a reminder that the most profound music often emerges from the depths of self-reflection.

credits

releases May 23, 2024

All compositions by Kerry Politzer (Polimusic, SESAC)
Recorded and mixed by Clay Giberson at his studio
Recording date: December 16, 2023
Mastered by Dana White of Specialized Mastering
Photography: Rachel Hadiashar
Executive Producer: Ryan Meagher
Art by Tiny Little Hammers

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all rights reserved

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Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble image

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

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