Agua Con Gas
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
The Chicago born Dave Schumacher has found a very influential place to reside in the New York jazz scene for 4+ decades now, and here with his baritone sax and plenty of friends he fleshes out 9 energetic and worldly tunes.
The title track opens with Manuel Valera’s warm keys before the animated horns enter amid playful drumming thanks to Yusnier Sanchez, and “Yambú” follows with Chegui Metralla’s clave and Alex Norris’ trumpet adding much to the rich climate.
Arriving in the middle, “The Gypsy” benefits from Luques Curtis’ skilled bass and Silvan Monasterios’ flowing keys that complement the sophistication, while “Amosaya” places Peter Brainin’s sax alongside Joel Mateo’s drumming acrobatics via the lively album highlight.
“Barra-Cuber” and “Prince Of Darkness” exit the listen. The former allows for Mauricio Herrera’s congas and Roger Rosenberg’s baritone sax to shine, and the latter is a busy moment courtesy of Alex Apolo Ayala’s bass and the animated horns and winds that arrive at a dizzying and exciting intersection.
This is Schumacher’s 5th album as leader, and it’s an intricate and globally exciting effort that doesn’t shy away from rhythm, melody and swingin’ fun.
Travels well with: Wanees Zarour- Silwan; John Clay- About Time