Quinn Walker - The Trail (2024)

In Walker’s words:

The Trail is a documentation of my musical journey so far. It represents eight years of searching for where creative, improvisational music is moving towards, and finding where my compositional voice fits. Inspired by the lineage of jazz greats and the modern era fusion of hip hop, Latin music, sample based music and avant garde with improvised music; the album displays my affinity for the wide variety of styles I love and how my composition reflects that.

The album was half recorded in Eugene when I was at the University of Oregon for my Master’s degree in jazz performance, and half in Portland after moving back to work as a gigging musician and music educator. Recorded with some of the best young musicians Oregon has to offer; the bands are a collection of modern leaning jazz musicians from Eugene and Portland who I individually picked to best represent my image of how I want my music to sound. The Trail is also a representation of my journey through Oregon after moving in 2015 as a student at PSU dreaming of living a life of music. Releasing my music to the world is a huge part of that dream. Thank you for listening and being a part of that dream.

The opening track, “4:30 AM" lays out Walker's manifesto. It begins with soundscape resembling the emergence of something mysterious out of the dense, foggy forests of the Cascade range. It seamlessly transitions to a meandering ballad, rife with complex horn harmonies.

“Cravin’” (a nod to the influence of the genre bending drummer, Makaya McCraven) shifts swiftly to a modern, groove-based vibe. Walker continues to display a command of compositional and arranging techniques with the trombone and trumpet sometimes playing in unison, while at other times playing lines that compliment each other.

The ominous, “National Broadcast Incident Report,” highlights AI text-to-speech swirling between angular, expertly placed melodic fragments. The tension builds with more dense melodic information and effects, but begins to relax when the individual soloists begin. It is here where we can hear the impressive future that the Portland jazz scene has ahead.

The rest of the album continues to impress, with each track offering a glimpse into Walker's multifaceted musical personality. The bands, both tight-knit units, propels the music forward with infectious enthusiasm. The lone exception to the original compositions is a playful reimagining of Jackie McLean's "Little Melonae." Walker dismantles and rebuilds the classic composition, putting his own playful stamp on the arrangement while staying true to its spirit.

The Trail is a strong debut that marks the arrival of a significant new voice in contemporary jazz. Walker's confidence and ambition are infectious, and his bands provides the perfect foils for his creativity. This is a record that announces not just a talented young musician, but bands to be reckoned with. With its infectious energy and impressive musicianship, The Trail is a must-listen for fans of forward-thinking jazz and a promising sign of things to come from Walker and his compatriots on the Portland scene.

Eugene Personnel (tracks 1, 5, and 7)

Quinn Walker - Trumpet
Will Glausi - Alto Saxophone
Henry Coba - Trombone
Robert Lasilla - Bass
Nik Barber - Drums

Portland Personnel (tracks 2,3,4 and 6)

Quinn Walker - Trumpet
Adriana Wagner - Trombone
Robin Fey - Guitar
Xylyn Hathaway - Bass
David Hagen - Drums