Jazz is going to some interesting places these days – whether your thing is spastic freakouts, angular electronic noise, or subtle, hushed tones, there’s something out there from the last couple years that will blow your mind. Today, I’d like to discuss one of my favorite more recent jazz outings, from trumpeter/composer Ambrose Akinmusire.

I wish I could bring you inside my head when I’m listening to this record. I’m not sure a more cozy place exists than the space between my ears as this music enters my mind-brain. Akinmusire is backed up by the master of textural guitar himself, Bill Frisell, and drummer Herlin Riley for a hushed, supremely tasteful stroll through melody and texture. One of the most intoxicating modern jazz records that I’ve had the pleasure to stumble across.

Patience is probably the overarching theme of the songs here. Akinmusire’s trumpet and Frisell’s guitar often follow similar melodic patterns, taking their time to get where they’re going. As I sit here on this cold, rainy March day, this is the soundtrack for steam rising from a coffee mug in a dark living room, the pages of a book providing further ambience to the lilting elegance. Perhaps a fireplace crackles in the background? A bowl of soup to warm those cold bones?

If you’ve read my work before, you’ll know I encourage listeners to check out albums in one sitting, and Owl Song is no exception. The compositions are deliberate, they know where they’re headed, but they take their time getting there. A fantastic slow burn, pensive and unhurried. You’ll find no harsh noise or angry jazz here – if you’re in this neck of the woods, prepare to relax and unwind.

As music moves forward and genres change, intertwine, and mutate in unexpected ways, Owl Song is a wonderful tribute to the muted jazz of ages past that also drips with originality and a forward-thinking sound. Equally appropriate for your living room on a blustery day surrounded by blankets or late at night around a festival campsite, the music is no less versatile for being so polished and restrained.

Like I said in the beginning, the last few years have seen some extraordinary albums across the genre spectrum, and lots of them bear repeated listens. However, few have been as absolutely rewarding and made their way into my heart like this one. I cannot recommend Owl Song enough, especially if you need something to calm your heart and soothe your mind.