This Very Moment
Origin, 2025
9/10
The vocalist and composer Chenxi Pan brings much emotion to these 13 originals that enlists many players for a contemporary jazz experience that’s strong on atmosphere.
“Hymn For The Spring” starts with Pan’s soft voice and the elegant keys from Shaonan ‘Trigger’ Su that create much beauty, and “At Dusk” continues the sophistication with Anders Julsgaard’s light drums and George Grydkovet’s radiant guitar.
Arriving near the middle, “New Year’s Wish” welcomes Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee’s rich sax via the cautious climate and Pan’s expressive pipes, while “Endless Summer” allows for Nicolas Bond’s playful voice to complement the charming scatting.
Closer to the end, “If Only For A Moment” makes great use of Peyton Cook’s stirring violin and Julie Kim’s well timed cello amid the poetic vocals, and “Fate (Wherever It Leads Me)” is deeper still and finds a cozy place to reside thanks to the calm singing and light instrumentation.
Pan often uses her voice as an instrument, and the excellent players in attendance help make for a textured, pretty and timeless effort.
Travels well with: Kate Olson- So It Goes; Affinity Trio- New Outlook