Blow Globe
Outside In, 2025
8/10
This first release as bandleader from John Sturino is a very diverse effort, where many players are on hand for the 7 distinct tracks.
“Year Of The Globe” begins with Chris McCarthy’s warm keys and Raul Reyes’ fluid bass that suits the rich winds, and “Renewal” follows with Sturino’s meticulous drumming that aligns with the animate saxophones.
“Slug” and “Bonafides” land in the middle. The former leads soft, before the frisky drumming layered brass and winds enter, while the latter is 10+ minutes of Big Band nods amid Max Light’s radiant guitar for the album’s best.
“Morning Sun” lands near the end and welcomes Mar Vilaseca’s elegant and poetic singing via the sublime intimacy and Garrett Wingfield’s lively clarinet, and “PLG (Prophets Lefferts Gardens)” exits with a gentle mood of emotion that, near the end, showcases Summer Camargo’s trumpet prowess.
A first album that embraces rock, singer-songwriter, electronic, jazz, and classical sounds, Sturino is in great company and it makes for an excellent display of modern jazz.
Travels well with: 3 Cohens/WDR Big Band- Interaction; Jimmy Farace- Hours Fly, Flowers Die