Be It Known
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The bassist and composer Wink Winkelmann makes an impression with this debut album, where Nate Smith, MAE-SUN, Rashon ‘Ramu’ Murph and Yunus Iyriboz are along for the spiritual jazz affair.
“Vibe Check” opens the listen percussively strong, as SUN’s dreamy flute enters the melodic and stylish delivery, and “Nine” follows with the rich wind alongside a warm backdrop that benefits much from Smith’s agile drumming.
Deeper into the first half, “Cross Elevation” carries a distinct jazz appeal that’s scrappy and hazy, while “Breathe” is an intimate moment via the graceful keys, soft bass and mesmerizing wind that tugs on the heartstrings.
Further on, “Midnight Station” is more rock focused thanks to the firm piano, frisky rhythm section and Yunus Iyriboz’s electric guitar prowess, and “Language Of Light” exits with a hint of mystery amid the hypnotic keys, thumping drums and warm guitar.
Winkelmann took a 15 year hiatus from music to focus on medicine, but you wouldn’t know it from this very dynamic and diverse effort that embraces classical and metal ideas into his unique version of jazz.
Travels well with: Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra- A Centennial Salute To Tito & Tito; Matthew Alec And The Soul Electric- Bad Rep In The Rubber City