For those not in the know, Reverence is a captivating jazz album by the legendary saxophonist Charles McPherson, released by Smoke Sessions Records.

This exceptional collection of music showcases McPherson’s unparalleled talent and deep connection to the jazz tradition.

With his signature tone and masterful improvisation, McPherson leads a stellar ensemble through a set of original compositions and classic standards. Each track on Reverence is imbued with emotion, technical brilliance, and a profound respect for the art form.

The interplay between McPherson’s saxophone and the rest of the band creates a dynamic energy that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The musicians’ chemistry is palpable, resulting in a cohesive sound that is both sophisticated and soulful.

1. Surge
2. Blues for Lonnie in Three
3. Come Rain or Come Shine
4. Dynamic Duo
5. Old Folks
6. Ode to Barry

This elegantly crafted, impassioned and heartfelt new recording opens on the luxuriant Surge and the delightfully, yet restrained perkiness of Blues for Lonnie in Three, and they are followed seamlessly by the flirtatious Come Rain or Come Shine, the upbeat Dynamic Duo, the album rounding out on the sumptuous Old Folks, closing on the effervescent Ode to Barry.

Reverence kicks off a yearlong series of live recordings celebrating the 25th anniversary of Smoke Jazz Club and the tenth anniversary of its record label, Smoke Sessions. McPherson’s preference for recording live was a major factor in launching this series.

After an inspiring, post-pandemic week performing at the recently renovated and reopened Smoke back in November 2022, McPherson knew he wanted to capture that same atmosphere and energy on his next recording, so the decision to skip the studio and record live was a relatively easy one.

“It’s a perfectly sized, well-run club,” he says. “It’s just big enough to have some room for listening but just small enough to still have a personal intimacy. That’s the ideal combination. And both the label and the club are obviously run by people who love the music and are willing to take a chance on artists who are creative and believe in what they’re doing.”

www.harlesmcpherson.com