Focus Out
Irabbagast, 2026
9/10
The saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon finds himself in a quartet setting, plus guests, for these 7 tunes that were inspired by the juggling act of making music and raising a family.
“Morning Star” opens with Irabagon’s bright sax alongside Dan Weiss’ unpredictable drumming that suits the animated climate, and “Focus Out”follows with a warm groove amid Matt Mitchell’s playful keys.
“Evening Star” and “Indigo Stains” land in the middle. The former blurs the sax from Miles Okazaki, Danny McCaslin and Mark Shim with Chris Lightcap’s skilled bass playing, while the latter recruits Kokayi’s vocals that aligns with atypical rhythm and free jazz exploration.
“Center Post” exits, and it’s a busy and flowing album highlight where the frisky rhythm section, bright sax and charming keys make an indelible impression.
Irabagon sure is prolific, and is attention to melody, improvisation, funk moments and bop make for another top notch effort in the area of post-modern jazz.
Travels well with: Jon Irabagon- Server Farm; Jon Irabagon Trio + One- Dinner & Dancing