Jordan Vanhemert Quintet

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I Am Not A Virus

Big Round, 2021

8/10

Listen to I Am Not A Virus

A very aptly titled record from the composer Jordan VanHemert, he brings along Rob Smith, Lisa Sung, Kazuki Takemura and Andy Wheelock for these piano led, jazz tunes that touch on the Coronavirus pandemic, police brutality and the Black Lives Matter Protests of 2020.

“The Path Ahead” starts the listen with hypnotic keys from Sung, as Smith’s soulful trumpet and Wheelock’s precise drumming enter the warm jazz atmosphere, and “Autumn Song” follows with playful bass from Takemura before VanHemert’s incredible sax skills take focus.

Halfway though, “Justice For The Unarmed (Black Lives Matter)” is a bright and energetic display of timeless jazz sounds, while “The Moment” moves cautiously, sublimely and with much emotion in its reflective, stirring nature.

Near the end, “Arirang Interlude” is brief but impactful 90 seconds of a Korean traditional arranged by Vanhemert, and this leads into “Arirang”, which exits the listen with each instrument taking its turn in the spotlight, as the very talented players interact with much chemistry to produce a precisely textured finish.

VanHemert’s work is both atypical and universally enjoyable here, where his keen attention to melody and Korean heritage all make for a very topical and exciting listening experience.

Travels well with: Elaine Freeman- La Speranza; Jonathan Badger- Piano Quartets