For those not in the know, Patrick Zimmerli has announced the May 16th, 2025 release of his 14th leader album of his original music, Songs of Innocence, the debut EP recording on his new label EMP (Emergence Music Productions), founded alongside producer and polymath Harold Bott, Jr.

The acclaimed composer-saxophonist reconvenes his dynamic trio featuring pianist Kevin Hays and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. A sophisticated yet approachable collection, Songs of Innocence explores the terrain between the rhythmic vitality and spontaneity of jazz, the melodic freedom of pop music, and the craft of classical music composition.

The album presents five of Zimmerli’s compositions influenced by William Blake, the famous English romantic poet whose “Songs of Innocence” are poems verging on nursery rhymes. Similar to Zimmerli’s songs, Blake’s poems can also have a darker side, exploring the process of corruption and loss of innocence as childhood turns into adulthood.

1. 60 Morningside
2. Crow or Dove
3. Wedding Song
4. Dreamscape
5. Torison

A celebration of joy and optimism, the opulent album opens on the veritably glistening 60 Morningside and then we get brought forth the translucent Crow or Dove, the upbeat and free flowing Wedding Song, the EP rounding out on the ethereally-hued Dreamscape, closing on the petulantly emboldened Torison.

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