Nicole McCabe - Mosaic (2024)

Alto saxophonist Nicole McCabe established herself as one of the most compelling figures on the Los Angeles jazz scene with Introducing Nicole McCabe (2020, feat. George Colligan) and Landscapes (2022), two releases mainly for quartet on which she exhibited a strong sense of swing and an exploratory compositional approach. McCabe's Improvisations EP, a 2022 solo session for alto with effects, revealed another part of her musical self, in terms of sonics and abstract, open-form extemporization. She is also one-half of the electro-jazz duo Dolphin Hyperspace with bassist Logan Kane, her partner in life and in music, bassist of choice for the great David Binney. Kane and drummer Tim Angulo make up the formidable rhythm section on Mosaic, McCabe's vibrant fourth release as a leader. On piano and Rhodes, impeccable and distinctive, is Verve recording artist Julius Rodriguez. McCabe expands the lineup on two tracks with trombonist Jon Hatamiya and trumpeter Aaron Janik, adding possibilities for denser orchestration and counterpoint. And guitarist Jeff Parker, of Tortoise and Chicago Underground renown, adds his focused melodic acuity on the ballad Tight Grip. Parker's role as producer of Mosaic was a blessing, McCabe remarks: I'm a big fan of Jeff's music, and the way he's able to push things forward. I was so grateful that he agreed to do this. He did what he does on his music, but in a way that fit my music.