Levi Temple - What Once Was (2023)

Over the past few years, I developed a love for albums that told stories. While older generations grew up with albums like Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," my albums were Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d. city," Tyler, the Creator's "Igor," and J. Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only." I might be releasing my first album with influences different from those of the jazz greats, past and present. Or not. Musicians have a responsibility to embrace what is close to them rather than being directed by what is popular, respected, or "correct." Musicians should perform the music that they want to play - write the music that they want to hear. We should always be discovering new sounds, taking the time to listen to the albums and songs that sparked our passion for music. Among my many goals in creating this album, my biggest was to end up with music that represents me and what I love. This album is some of my favorite music of all time. So, what is it?

This is not an autobiography. It is not a "breakup" album. It's not just some jazz record.

This is What Once Was.

We've all experienced a feeling of attachment, based on shallow intentions, that have led us to lose what we once desired: personal aspirations, materialistic possessions, or human relationships. The story that I have created illustrates this process from the beginning stages of attraction through that weightless feeling of achievement, to the point of loss and finality.

I encourage you to listen all the way through in a quiet place. The album is mostly instrumental, so it's up to you to understand for yourself the cohesion of the album in your own way. I saw a vision in August, 2022. But find your own meaning. If that's a random collection of enjoyable jazz music, thanks so much for listening. If your story becomes something more significant, I'll have achieved something.

It was a privilege working with some of my favorite people to put this album together. You all mean so much and your talents are the greatest gift to me. If we're the only people who listen, that's still enough.

To my Mom, Dad, and Broski. This one's for you.

Musicians:
Trombone/Composer: Levi Temple
Tenor/Soprano Saxophone: Johnny Hartleip (4-5)
Tenor Saxophone: Luke McIlhon (3, 6)
Trumpet: Riley Jermier (3, 5)
Trombone: Maggie Cremers (7)
Guitar: Jacob Giddens (4-5)
Piano: Oisin Leopold (1-2, 4-7)
Piano: Alayna Ringsby (3)
Bass: Miles Rochford (2-7)
Drums: Jackson Schou (2-7)
Narrator: Erik Rohde (1)

Tracklist:
1.01 - Levi Temple - What Once Was (3:20)
1.02 - Levi Temple - Backyard Fantasizing (10:12)
1.03 - Levi Temple - Divine Yearning (9:15)
1.04 - Levi Temple - Our Blissful Dance (5:00)
1.05 - Levi Temple - Turbulence (8:03)
1.06 - Levi Temple - The Pain Of It All (9:37)
1.07 - Levi Temple - See You Around (4:41)