JASON YEAGER & JASON ANICK

SANCTUARY

Sunnyside Records

Jason Anick, violin; Jason Yeager, piano; Greg Loughman, bass; Mike Connors, drums; Naseem Alatrash, cello; Edmar Colon, tenor saxophone; Billy Buss & Jason Palmer, trumpet.

From the very first tune called, “Future Past” I was intrigued by this music.  Violinist, Jason Anick and Jason Yeager (pianist) have reunited for their second co-led album with the title serving as a theme. “Sanctuary” can mean many things to many people.  Yeager and Anick think of it as music being their own personal sanctuary. They build on their own foundation of composing talents. The two Jason’s have written half the tracks on this album, happily combining their creativity. This music becomes an example of personal evolution, stemming from the shut-down, pandemic times (when their music was created), and today’s current state of worldwide chaos.

“First, we wanted to develop a cohesive music from our shared voices by composing together.  Second, we really wanted to reflect on the things that were going on in the world around us.  The central theme coalesced around “Sanctuary” because, at the end of the day, it’s what we’re all trying to find,” Jason Anick expressed.

This music is a stunning blend of European classical music and American jazz, using Jason Anick’s violin to harmonically mesh with horns and piano in the most beautiful way. This is perfectly clear on their arrangement of “Raindrop Prelude Op. 28., No. 15 in D flat Major.” Jason Yeager’s piano solo is played with much sensitivity and charm, as he competently explores the entire register of the piano. Then Anick’s violin enters to compliment the moment, along with horn solos that improvise and bring color to the song’s palate.  Who knew that Chopin could sound so jazzy?

The next two songs were penned by Anick & Yeager.  First, “Persecution” that is Straight-ahead and contemporary in the same breath.  This song features the talent of Palestinian cellist, Naseem Alatrash.

Yeager explains that the piece “…has to do with people fleeing injustice, fleeing war, fleeing poverty and violence,”

Next, the tune called “Ephemory” features the gifted Billy Buss on flugelhorn. He pulls pure magic from the bell of his horn. As Yeager tinkles piano rhythms in the background, Jason Anick has an emotional conversation with us on his violin.  Every tune unravels like a brightly colored ball of ribbon.  This music streams across my listening room, a vivid rainbow of emotions and multi-generational conversation.  I am hypnotized by this album and the amazing players who interpret the music.

Jason Yeager and Jason Anick represent a dynamic duo.  Not only are they amazing collaborators and composers, but each is also a master of their instrument and impressive improvisors.  This is an album I will enjoy listening to time and time again.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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