Keep Holding On
Strange Woman, 2026
8/10
The Washington DC baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer is in great company for these 11 modern jazz tracks, where Paul Bratcher and Greg Holloway’s contributions, plus a few guests, won’t go unnoticed.
“Swinging At The Station” opens with Pilzer’s flowing sax amid Holloway’s frisky drums and Bratcher’s animated keys, and “Js and Ks” follows with Jen Krupa’s well timed trombone that suits the soulful sax and key acrobatics of the dynamic 7+ minutes.
In the middle, “Keep Holding On” showcases Pilzer’s inimitable sax prowess amid the scrappy drumming and playful keys, while “When It’s Gone” welcomes Ally Hany Albrecht’s skilled trumpet to the soulful climate.
“Sideburns” and “G’s Bop” exit the listen. The former moves with a charming appeal thanks to Joe Jackson’s strategic trombone, and the latter recruits Kenny Rittenhouse’s colorful trumpet to complement the rich sax and crisp drumming.
The trio and quartet settings here showcase hard bop moments, no lack of harmonics and creative phrasing for another excellent outing from Pilzer.
Travels well with: Leigh Pilzer- Beatin’ The Odds; Three Story Sandbox- Artful Dodgers