Longing To Meet You
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The inimitable guitartist Jake Hertzog brings along Matt Woroshyl, Perrin Grace and Joe Peri for these 9 adventurous jazz songs.
The title track opens with both elegance and dreaminess via Hertzog’s shimmering guitar and Peri’s diverse drumming, and “A Dream Fades Slowly” follows with Woroshyl’s well placed sax that suits the rich jazz formula.
Into the middle, “A Room With No Doors” carries a hint of ruggedness amid the meticulous instrumentation, while “Loss” benefits from intimacy thanks to the colorful guitar tone and strong attention to atmosphere.
“Whisper You” and “Arrival” exit the listen. The former carries a mesmerizing appeal thanks to the swirling guitar and soulful wind, and the latter is a textured and melodic album highlight.
All the songs here are originals, and they are executed with plenty of spirit and memorableness, as Hertzog and company don’t shy away from folk, classical and rock ideas, too.
Travels well with: Isrea Butler- Congo Lament; John Ambrosini- Songs For You