Label: AMM Records, 2026

Personnel - Loren Stillman: alto and soprano saxophones + Odense Jazz Orchestra.

Conducted by trumpeter Hans Christian Erbs, the Odense Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1994 and here teams up with American saxophonist and composer Loren Stillman, who contributes six compositions shaped by the lush orchestral contours of this accomplished Danish big band.

The multiple sonic landscapes on offer invite exploration from the outset, beginning with the harmonically supple lyricism of “A Tree Falls”, compellingly layered with shifting keys and deft articulation. Stillman’s alto drives the piece toward heightened emotional peaks before the mood shifts into a lightly funk-inflected passage that provides guitarist Morten Normal with ample space for his excellent narrative sense. “Waterworks” is a richly textured work inspired by a wildflower-lined hiking trail near Missoula, Montana. Impeccably orchestrated through a churning blend of brass and reeds, it features conspicuous guitar comping with a suggestive Brazilian feel, alongside Stillman’s fluent phrasing and clarity of intent.

The blues spirit permeates “Buffalo”, underscored by a funky beat and resonant trombone commentary over a consistently tight rhythmic foundation. Stillman’s intervallic daring and remarkable articulation inject further intensity, ensuring the piece leaves a strong impression. “Like a Magic Kiss”, originally heard on his 2009 album Winter Fruits, reappears here with a gently propulsive rhythmic undercurrent and a finely balanced, synergistic dialogue between saxophone and trumpet.

“Fowlkes”, a tribute to the late trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, places melody at its core. The big band’s collective power unfolds over a 3/4 framework that feels both warm and deeply resonant. The album closes with the superb “Dervish”, a striking bridge between cultures that incorporates elements of Persian music. Its challenging meters, elegant flow, inventive rhythmic shifts, and authoritative solos result in an ethnic-hybrid jazz statement that is harmonically and texturally engaging.

The full depth and breadth of this fertile collaboration reveal themselves over repeated listens, as the band skimp on unnecessary embellishments and focuses instead on inspired, finely detailed arrangements.

Favorite Tracks:
02 - Waterworks ► 03 - Buffalo ► 06 - Dervish

Label: Sunnyside Records, 2023

Personnel - Loren Stillman: alto saxophone; Drew Gress: double bass; Mark Ferber: drums.

Quirky and underrated, American saxophonist Loren Stillman is recognized for his embrace of sober tones and selection of impish notes while crafting phrases that are rich in ambiguity. His Sunnyside debut, Time and Again, showcases eight original compositions that take on distinctive shapes through the adept interpretations of his new trio mates—bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber. The tunes are demanding, but the trio's experience allows them to navigate potential pitfalls, resulting in an intriguing and compelling sound.

“Backyard”, an engaging, groovy, and open post-bop vehicle, serves as fertile ground for exploring Stillman's non-obvious lines. The piece incorporates a smart bass vamp in its final segment, complemented by crisp drum chops. “Unsung” packs genuine emotion, addressing the not-heard-enough music of heroes such as Paul Motian, Warne Marsh, and Lee Konitz. It features a well-spoken bass statement. The title track, “Time and Again”, begins with controlled tom-tom rambles and valuable cymbal complementation. The rubato style enhances the heartfelt playing, and the music is unleashed with forlorn, breathing and revolving around a beautiful melody.

In "The Mask”, Stillman passionately explores a folk-inspired direction, reminiscent of Jan Garbarek. This elegantly crafted piece features coruscating snare radiance, firmly placed bass lines, and sinuous melodic contours. "Fearless Dreamer", previously recorded in a bass-less quartet format, is admirably structured, swinging with a defiant posture and showcasing saxophone eruptions crafted from a language of impressive spontaneity.

These overarching sonic architectures earn a special meaning with “Foist”, a modal-inflected blues piece that gradually turns up the heat, celebrating a cadenced, odd-metered groove. Gress and Ferber construct a trancelike rhythmic undertow that harmoniously supports the bandleader's expressive speech.
Even in moments of unfolded abstraction, the trio's unique sounds articulate perfectly. Each track stands on its own, revealing more distinctive characteristics with each subsequent listen.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Backyard ► 05 - Foist ► 08 - The Mask