For those unaware, saxophonist, multi-woodwind instrumentalist, and composer Aaron Irwin is from central IL. Recognized as a “lyrical alto saxophonist and a compelling original composer” (Steve Futterman, The New Yorker), Irwin is a sought-after commodity in both the jazz and commercial worlds.

He released the now much beloved ninth album (After) in May of 2024 and here now in 2026 he releases his tenth album, entitled Spark - and which features longtime friends Mike Baggetta on guitar and Bill Campbell on drums.

Spark presents a focused statement from the Aaron Irwin Trio, built on long standing collaboration, deep listening, and a strong sense of melody and form. The music moves fluidly between chamber jazz intimacy and upbeat, blues centered grooves, allowing lyricism, rhythm, and momentum to coexist. Guitarist Mike Baggetta and drummer Bill Campbell meet Irwin’s compositions with flexibility and restraint, shaping each piece through subtle shifts in color, pulse, and density.

While space and patience play an important role, the trio is equally comfortable leaning into drive and forward motion. Subtle use of effects on saxophone and bass clarinet expands the trio’s palette without drawing attention away from the acoustic core of the music.

The album reflects a distillation of the group’s language, favoring clarity, feel, and collective intent over excess. Spark invites the listener into an open, searching conversation that balances reflection with grit, warmth, and momentum.

1. Spark [04:05]
2. Mississippi Hurt [05:23]
3. Skúli [06:05]
4. Fahey [05:25]
5. Goodnight Laverne [04:58]
6. a song in the front yard (after Brooks) [04:33]
7. Giuffre [04:47]
8. A Blues Feeling [05:27]
9. The Snow Man (after Stevens) [03:49]
10. Goodnight Shirley [05:06]

On an album inspired by jazz greats, blues legends, and a couple of less likely characters, Aaron opens his new recording on the free-wheelin’ melodies of the titular Spark and then brings us an organic hush, latterly a flux state that threads throughout Mississippi Hurt, the lushly agreeable Skúli and then both an observant rhythmical growth within Fahey and the emotive Goodnight Laverne.

Along next is the robustly playfully, veritably flirtatious a song in the front yard (after Brooks) and that is in turn backed seamlessly by the delicate ebbs and flow of Giuffre, the ornately sculpted, latterly richly grooved A Blues Feeling, the set rounding out on the all-embracing sounds of The Snow Man (after Stevens), coming to a close on the impassioned Goodnight Shirley.

In addition to his own groups, Irwin has performed with many leading jazz voices in the New York music community including the Grammy-nominated, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Jamie Baum’s Septet +, Bob Sabin’s Tentet, The Mike Fahie Jazz Orchestra, the mixed wind group Weathervest, as well as pop artists Kristen Chenoweth, Rufus Wainwright, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and The Roots.

Indeed, Irwin maintains a busy schedule as a freelance musician, performing in jazz clubs, concert halls, and Broadway theatres, working with many of New York’s finest musicians and bands.

Musicians:
Aaron Irwin - saxophone
Mike Baggetta - guitar
Bill Campbell - drums

Official Purchase Links

www.aaronirwin.com

Aaron Irwin Music @ Facebook