Adam O'Farrill - Stranger Days (2016)

The Brooklyn born and raised O'Farrill comes from a celebrated musical lineage: his grandfather, the Cuban composer/arranger Chico O'Farrill; his father, pianist and composer Arturo O'Farrill; and his mother Alison Deane, a classical pianist. Though he has only been at it for a short time, Adam O'Farrill has displayed maturity in his music beyond his 21 years. The young trumpeter/composer was introduced to the music world early on and quickly ascertained the importance of history, hard work and collaboration to realize his voice as an artist. On his debut recording as a leader, Stranger Days, O'Farrill introduces his fantastic and highly interactive quartet of the same name, showcasing distinctive and subtly programmatic original pieces. Stranger Days (the band, and album, name) was originally assembled in February 2014. O'Farrill naturally chose his co-conspirator and brother for the drum chair plus two of his longtime musical friends, tenor saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown and bassist Walter Stinson. Together, they have created a quiet, intense, at times humorous, and at all times entertaining debut album.