Pianist and composer Emmet Cohen has announced the upcoming release of his new album Uptown in Orbit.
For the past year and a half, Cohen has been touring the world in support of his early-2021 release Future Stride while continuing to host weekly livestream concerts from his home in Harlem, N.Y.
The connections he formed during the isolation of lockdowns inspired his new album. On Uptown in Orbit, Cohen’s second album with Mack Avenue, Cohen brings a traditional jazz sound to the forefront while giving it a modern twist.
Listen to the lead single Finger Buster, originally written and popularized by Willie “The Lion” Smith:
“Finger Buster is one of the timeless American stride pieces,” Cohen says. “It’s usually heard as a solo piano number, but here we have orchestrated the classic solo piece for piano trio format. We went one step beyond as well, utilizing an old-school tape machine in certain sections to help us time travel with the listener.”
Uptown in Orbit features Cohen’s trusty trio of bassist Russell Hall and drummer Kyle Pool, along with trumpeter Sean Jones and saxophonist Patrick Bartley.
“This period gave me time and space to explore collaborations with such a broad range of musical artists,” Cohen says. “Through that experience, I learned a lot about myself and, with the trio, discovered what makes certain moments unforgettably special. I’ve been inspired by the myriad of musicians who have helped us evolve our concept and reach for a deeper purpose in our art.”
At age 32, Cohen has previously released nine albums of his own while also performing with Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Tootie Heath, Houston Person, Kurt Elling, Lea DeLaria and more. In 2019, he received the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz from the American Pianists Association.
Here’s the track listing:
- Finger Buster
- Uptown in Orbit
- My Love Will Come Again
- Spillin’ the Tea
- Li’l Darlin’
- The Loneliest
- Uptown in Orbit (Reprise)
- Distant Hallow
- Mosaic
- Venus de Milo
- Braggin’ in Brass
Emmet Cohen’s Up in Orbit arrives Oct. 28, 2022, via Mack Avenue.
