Jason Arkins, In Focus Review

Bridging Generations: Jason Arkins’ In Focus Melds Jazz Traditions with Modern Innovation

With In Focus, the debut EP from young virtuoso Jason Arkins, the language of jazz-fusion finds a new voice. Born from the rich soil of Arkins’ eclectic musical background, this album signals the arrival of an innovative talent on the jazz scene. With this release, Arkins and his ensemble craft a sonic tapestry that unexpectedly fuses traditional and contemporary elements, broadening the genre’s horizons and inviting listeners into their creative world.

The ensemble—composed of Arkins on alto and tenor saxophone, Beau Cornelius on acoustic and electric pianos, Leo Folsom handling synthesizers and organ, Mike Ramos holding down the fort on electric bass, and Jack Dratch providing the rhythmic foundation on drums—paint a vibrant picture of Arkins’ compositional vision. The unusual inclusion of an analog synthesizer as a primary instrument, alongside more traditional jazz instruments, adds a refreshing and modern touch to the ensemble’s palette.

“Mister Behaving” instantly announces the album’s character. It’s a composition that refuses to sit comfortably within traditional boundaries. Instead, it joyfully ventures into unexplored territories, dabbling in unconventional time signatures and creating a labyrinth of sonic textures. The ease with which the ensemble shifts between these various facets is just as exciting as their skills of making music as a collective.

“The Higher Road” has a theme that develops through a form that is imaginative and presents varying feels and intensities. Arkins’ solo is a beautiful arching statement that shows this young lion has much to say and does so with elegance and clarity. With the use of two keyboards, Cornelius and Folsom provide a rich interplay of sounds, making the composition sonically intriguing. Ramos and Dratch form a pulsating heart of the ensemble, laying down the grooves and providing rhythmic vitality.

“In Focus,” the title track, further reiterates Arkins’ commitment to pushing boundaries. It beautifully blends the acoustic piano’s warmth with the synthesizers’ edgy tones, creating a dynamic, texturally rich piece. Cornelius delivers a standout performance with his piano solo, while Arkins’ solo is packed with inventive articulations, highlighting his skill and versatility as a saxophonist.

In Focus is a bold statement from a young artist who clearly has a promising future. It’s a tantalizing blend of modern and traditional elements, showing Arkins’ affinity for complex solos, exciting rhythms, and catchy melodies. For jazz enthusiasts, it’s a treasure trove of intricate musicality, and for the wider audience, it’s a melodically rich feast that offers a window into the future of jazz fusion. Arkins’ debut In Focus leaves us eagerly anticipating what he will bring into focus next.