tenderlonious: you know i care
The soon to be legendary musician, producer Tenderlonious embarks on an exciting new journey in his latest album, You Know I Care released via 22a. Stepping away from his signature original compositions, this album is a heartfelt tribute to the classic jazz pieces that have profoundly influenced his musical journey. With reverence and creativity, Tenderlonious honours luminaries like Jackie McLean, Duke Pearson, Clifford Jordan, and Wayne Shorter, breathing new life into their iconic works. You Know I Care is also a wonderful addition to an eclectic and groundbreaking discography that has so many incredible records, both as a solo artists or as part of fantastic music collectives (like Ruby Rushton) and collaboration projects.
Tenderlonious and leads his band (composed by Hamish Balfour on piano, Pete Martin on bass, Tim Carnegie on drums) through a diversity of tones, with the opening track capturing the listener's attention with a distinctly Middle Eastern theme that we connect to previous works. The quartet maintains a grandiose sound throughout, featuring bold solos from alto saxophone and piano, eventually building to a climactic drum solo. The album's style ranges from the smoother, west coast feel of "Maimoun," with a cool and collected atmosphere, to the free and moving performance of "Infant Eyes," a flute and piano duet paying tribute to Wayne Shorter. "Poor Eric" is a haunting ballad, invoking a dream-like atmosphere with its melancholic melodies, while "John Coltrane" serves as a homage to the legendary saxophonist. Tenderlonious' masterful execution on the alto flute shines in the title-track, accompanied by steady bass and drums, ultimately offering a fresh interpretation of these timeless compositions. You Know I Care showcases the artist's exploration of various styles, embodying a heartfelt tribute to jazz legends and embracing a broad spectrum of emotions, from brooding ballads to lively modal expressions. Available on vinyl.