For those unaware, British pianist and composer Jamie Safir makes a debut as a bandleader with “Momentism,” via Chill Tone Records.

Known as a highly sought-after accompanist for acclaimed vocalists including Veronica Swift and Kylie Minogue, Safir steps into the spotlight with a collection of melodically engaging original compositions.

Safir’s debut album as a leader is definitely not the sound of a musician discovering his voice. It’s just finally being given space to be heard. Recorded with the equally established bassist Conor Chaplin and the ascending drummer Luke Tomlinson, and featuring legendary saxophonist Iain Ballamy on several tracks, Momentism presents Safir not only as an accomplished pianist but as an equally accomplished composer with a clear instinct for melody, atmosphere and emotional narrative.

1. Momentism (3.29)
2. Boulevardier (4.52)
3. Zacharius (3.28)
4. Hirsute Pursuit (5.45)
5. Amethyst (5.21)
6. Duke Balington (5.08)
7. Black Star Sapphire (For Strayhorn) (5.05)
8. Clocker (4.43)
9. The World In The Evening (4.50)
10. Mad Sad Bad (6.00)
11. Esprit D’Escalier (2.33)

With this new chapter opening up in his life via Chill Tone Records, one that enables him to showcase his quartet’s expressive dynamic and emotionally moving original music, Safir opens his debut recording on the flourishing beauty of the titular Momentism and then brings us the smooth dancefloor swirls and twirls of Boulevardier, the simply gorgeous Zacharius and both the gently frenetic beats and grooves within Hirsute Pursuit and a truly opulent Amethyst.

Along next is the upbeat and joyfully sculpted gem Duke Balington which is itself backed seamlessly by the lavish gossamer of Black Star Sapphire (For Strayhorn), the soulfully enchanting Clocker and the luxuriantly emotive The World In The Evening, the new set rounding out on the engagingly rhythmic Mad Sad Bad, coming to a close on the sumptuously decadent Esprit D’Escalier.

“The idea of Momentism is about struggling to be present in the moment, which is a necessity in jazz but also in life,” Safir explains. “But it also has to do with making decisions in the moment that feel good now but may be damaging later down the line.”

Official Purchase Link

www.jamiesafir.com

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