Heyman 2
Each And Only, 2026
8/10
The Chicago saxophonist and clarinetist, Michael Hudson-Casanova, is joined by Mike Lorenz, Sandy Eldred and Matt Scarano, i.e. Heyman, for these 8 exciting and improvised jazz tunes.
“Ladybug” opens with Hudson-Casanova’s rich wind alongside Scarano’s crisp drums for the punchy jazz climate, and “Cup Of Cheer” follows with Lorenz’s meticulous guitar adding much warmth to the melodic delivery.
“Oceans Apart” occupies the middle spot and it’s an intimate moment of textured beauty that makes great use of Eldred’s precise bass, while “Equilibrium” offers a frisky bout that sees the quartet interacting playfully yet eloquently for the album’s best.
“Narrative” and “Country Is Shortage” exit the listen. The former leans a bit towards the rock side of the spectrum, where the radiant sax won’t go unnoticed, and the latter emits a soft ambience that’s heartfelt and unpredictable in its reflective mood.
All the tracks are originals (3 by Lorenz, the rest by Hudson-Casanova), and illustrate how well the 4 navigate in swingin’ moments, surrounded by grooves and haunting ebbs for this excellent sophomore effort.
Travels well with: Pete Mills- This Is Now; Shawn Maxwell- Frenetic Domain