Zoh Amba - Sun (2025) Hi-Res

It seems safe to imagine that Zoh Amba has been busy most of her life—the rising Appalachian avant-garde saxophonist positively radiates energy. Early days, she's come hard: seven releases over the past four years on labels Tzadik, 577 Records, Mahakala Music and Palilalia. Her many collaborators include Thomas Moran, Micah Thomas, John Zorn, William Parker, Francisco Mela, Tyshawn Sorey, Chris Corsano and Bill Orcutt. Amba is a stimulating presence, activated by chemistry in every instance to generate fiery improvised music. With Sun, her Smalltown Supersound debut, Amba focuses on her own compositions, which may account for this release being referred to as "her second album" (after 2022's O, Sun). Playing with bassist Caroline Morton, pianist Lex Korten, and percussionist Miguel Marcel Russell, she mixes deep spiritual jazz with folk melodies, locating her keening tone in moods ranging from lyric/contemplative to feral/out there. Interspersed with the group sounds are several home-recorded solo pieces, with Amba accompanying herself live on either piano or guitar. These tunes, along with "Champa Flower," a group performance where she swaps sax for guitar, help to establish Sun's gravity. Their open space creates depth and color, contrasting the spirited (and somewhat dark-toned) simmer-and-roil of the group tracks. Throughout, Amba presents as an inspired young player in the tradition, with impressive clarity about her evolving sound and a lot to say with it. One hopes she will continue to explore with open ears, mind and heart, allowing for the surprises to come.