John Escreet - Learn to Live (2018)

Keyboardist/composer John Escreet returns with his first album of composed music in five years, ‘Learn to Live’ (out Oct 12/Blue Room Music). The album finds Escreet exploring the deepest facets of what the keyboard can do – from the Prophet 6 synth to Fender Rhodes to acoustic piano and beyond. Escreet assembled a dream team band to join him, featuring: Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Greg Osby (saxophone), Matt Brewer (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Justin Brown (drums). Over ten tracks, Escreet presents a thrilling snapshot of his provocative, envelope-pushing spirit in the world of jazz and experimental music. And provides sonic commentary on the current state of the world while doing so.

‘Learn to Live’ is a fascinating juxtaposition of the acoustic with the electronic. Bent notes, sweeping pads, and chaotic ring modulation balanced with avant garde forays into acoustic jazz that range from tender to menacing. The album begins with “Opening,” a majestic presentation of snappy progressive funk, while two drummers snarl away under a stabbing synth motif. It’s followed by the polyrhythmic meditation of “Broken Justice (Kalief)” – a composition he wrote for Kalief Browder. “Lady T’s Vibe” is a deep, sinewy funk work out, a dialed back groove for trumpeter Nicholas Payton to devilishly toy with.

The project represents a combination of two separate groups that John was performing with in 2017. With the album plans already in the works, he pulled everyone from both bands together, a dream-come-true opportunity to cut this new work with him. The album finds drummers Eric Harland and Justin Brown performing on a total of 4 songs together (tracks 1, 2, 4 and 8), and John experimenting with drum machine as well. The album was recorded at Sear Sound, and was self-produced.