Never Alone
Goundup, 2026
9/10
This 4th album from the fusion trio The Nth Power sees members Nick Cassarino, Nikki Glaspie and Nate Edgar welcoming plenty of guests to the 8 tracks.
“Dream Alive” starts the listen with an infectious energy, where Jon Deas’ lively keys add much to Glaspie’s animated drums, and “Crave You” follows with Keita Ogawa’s playful percussion complementing Cassarino’s flowing guitar.
“Thirsty” and “Could It Be ‘74 (Remix)” arrive in the middle. The former benefits from Edgar’s frisky bass in a soulful climate, while the latter offers a cozy and warm moment via Courtney Smith’s well timed keys and vocals.
Residing late, “Smile” recruits Nicholas Payton’s trumpet, Sherik’s tenor sax and Dominique Xavier’s organ for the lush and layered album highlight, and “Simple Life” exits with plenty of exciting brass and winds amid Lumar Leblanc’s snare drum amid the funky and festive finish.
A record with a tremendous amount of style and a live recording feel, there’s an authentic rawness to these groove filled and rhythmic tracks that see the trio interacting dynamically and with plenty of esteemed guests to fuel their funk/soul/jazz hybrid.
Travels well with: Chief Keegan- The Piles High Club; George Porter Jr- Crying For Hope