Released: September 15, 2009
UPC: 896434001252

“…a versatile bassist and a thoughtful composer”

The New York Times

“…a rock-solid player, judicious with his notes”

San Jose Mercury News

In-demand New York Bassist Joe Martin leads a rarely heard all-star ensemble featuring Brad Mehldau (Piano), Chris Potter (Saxophones, Bass Cl) and Marcus Gilmore (Drums). Martin’s original compositions lay the foundation for over 70 minutes of exciting and thought-provoking music, capturing this in-their-prime cast at the forefront of today’s New York jazz scene.

Track Listing | Listen To Audio Samples
1. Semente
2. In The Meantime
3. Caché
4. A Dream
5. The Balloon Song
6. Once Before
7. Far
8. Not By Chance
9. The Stoic

Joe Martin: Bass
Brad Mehldau: Piano,
Chris Potter: Saxophones, Bass Cl
Marcus Gilmore: Drums

Liner Notes

Chris, Brad and Marcus are three of my favorite musicians. They not only possess powerful and highly recognizable musical voices, but they are all extremely supportive musicians, ever cognizant of creating a strong group sound. I had played with each of them separately on numerous occasions, but we had never performed together prior to this recording. I had more than an inclination that the combination would work well. It is a thrill making music with them.

Here are some stories and thoughts about the music:

The first time I visited Brazil, my friend Scott Feiner, a pandeirista, took me to Semente, a small, underground club in Rio de Janeiro. The energy there was palpable as a young Choro ensemble performed repertoire known by all of the regulars, evident by their collective singing and dancing. I was deeply moved by the beauty of this powerful, group spirit. Its memory inspired this tune. In The Meantime came to me while I was trying to finish another song.

Caché (hidden) is an amalgamation of several ideas which became one. Composition gives us a chance to edit over the course of hours, days, or even years, in contrast to improvisation, where we may throw away several potential themes in the space of seconds or minutes. Sometimes when searching for something new, we overlook what is already there before us.

The title A Dream captures the spirit of this ballad.

The Balloon Song, written by Jaco Pastorius, is a twelve-tone etude of sorts. It was initially introduced to me by pianist Jon Davis, and again by Gil Goldstein who brought my attention to the song’s bridge/coda. Both Jon and Gil performed with Pastorius. The piece is an extremely melodic, intervallic, and logical study, one that became a part of my daily practice routine. The complete title is Balloon Song: 12-Tone in G Major. The scope of music that Pastorius realized in his short lifetime never ceases to inspire me.

Once Before. I enjoy checking out used record stores and uncovering ‘old’ recordings that are ‘new’ to me. I am awed by the remarkable amount of music yet undiscovered which has come before us.

Far simultaneously implies the geographical and emotional distance that I have found inextricable from the traveling musician’s life. While recently visiting my parents in Pella, Iowa, I came up with the intro idea for Far. It was in my childhood home that I was first exposed to the richness of string quartet music.

Not By Chance touches on my philosophy as a musician: only through dedication to our art, the hard work of practice, and intention can we truly reach our goals.

The Stoic is not a complex song, but for whatever reason it proved difficult to complete. Indifferent to my struggles with it, the song endured, and so I have called it The Stoic.

Joe Martin, Brooklyn, NY, May 2009

Recorded by James Farber at Sear Sound, New York, NY, January 2009
Digitally edited by Brian Montgomery
Mixed by James Farber at Sear Sound, New York, NY, February 2009
Mastered by Mark Wilder at Sony Studios, New York, NY, March 2009
Cover design / original art work by Emmanuelle Prissette
Additional design by Lisa St Cyr
Produced by Joe Martin