Ralph Alessi - It's Always Now (LP)

Ralph Alessi's latest offering, It's Always Now, is a captivating exploration of jazz and free jazz, released on ECM Records. This 13-track album, spanning 59 minutes, showcases Alessi's distinctive trumpet tone, which is as agile, piercing, and resonant as ever. Accompanied by a fresh quartet lineup featuring pianist Florian Weber and Bänz Oester, Alessi delves into a variety of styles, from warm, avant-garde lyricism to fast freebop and plaintive melodies.

The album, released on March 17, 2023, marks Alessi's fourth appearance as a leader for ECM Records, following a series of critically acclaimed works. Tracks like "Hypnagogic," "Old Baby," and "The Shadow Side" highlight the band's dynamic interplay and Alessi's compositional prowess. With It's Always Now, Alessi continues to push the boundaries of jazz, offering both long-time fans and new listeners a rich and engaging musical experience.