As the world seems to descend into increasingly challenging times every day, society needs music more than ever to respond to the events that unfold. Across a broad spectrum from hip-hop to chamber, a series of new releases have provided significant moving, relevant, and pointed commentary. Another excellent new album in this lineage is Resilience (Soul Cycle Music, 2020) by Jesse Fischer. A Brooklyn-based keyboardist and producer, he confronts his audience with contemporary issues, producing a powerful, thought-provoking recording in the tradition of Max Roach’s We Insist! (Candid, 1960). With collaborators including Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Mino Cinélu, and Gregoire Maret, the release explores everything from Fischer’s Jewish heritage and identity to the Black Lives Matter movement, all without compromising musical integrity or excitement.

Fischer displays an Ellingtonian ability to conjure emotions, ideas, and impressions out of harmony, blending vocals, horns, and keyboards into an evocative portrait of the modern world. “Healing,” showcases this exceptionally with horns and synths building meditatively and crescendoing to a triumphant conclusion. Modulating through resounding major chords, the saxophone of Godwin Louis and trumpet of Billy Buss dart around lightly, improvising in a way that overtly acknowledges the influence of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. Collective improvisation appears far too infrequently in contemporary jazz, and it’s exciting to hear, especially in this context. 

The interaction between the musicians makes Resilience stand out. On “Meditation on Peace,” there’s an equally robust interplay between soloists, closing the album with joy and a gospel flair. The vocal numbers also prove strong, particularly “Push/Pull,” which lyrically sums up the work’s themes and explores the continual “endless tug of war” of life. The song presents one of the concepts explored on the album: the problems we have are constant and repeating, “back and forth”, and we must empathize with other people to overcome them. With a heavy folk and indie influence, this track features Becca Stevens, one of today’s best young vocalists. It doesn’t disappoint, spotlighting simple arrangements and beautiful harmonies that effectively complement her voice.

Similarly, on “Same Mistakes,” featuring vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Fischer discusses social issues more than on any other track. Building to an intense conclusion, the lyrics of the song pair with “Push/Pull” and discuss the repetition of problems in society, particularly those linked to empathy, and the fight against racism and xenophobia: “we keep singing on through the pain.” Although they remain broad, the words are powerful, driving home Resilience‘s conscious focus. Changing time signatures and gritty guitars support these themes, with some of the best rhythm section work on the album.

The standout piece, however, is the title track. With a lyrical solo from Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, it builds through resounding melodies and interludes into a dramatic and emotional key change and conclusion. Musical lines blend in a whirlwind of texture. The bandleader’s synth solo is also creative, complementing Scott well as the two musicians interact with each other, conversing musically as if speaking to each other. If any moment on this record is truly captivating, it is here. “Resilience” exemplifies what makes the release shine: excellent soloists, fantastic production, and a powerful and emotional statement. These aspects appear throughout, resulting in one of the best jazz albums of the summer of 2020, a sophisticated, coherent work that speaks to meaningful topics.

Jesse Fischer’s Resilience is now available on Soul Cycle Music.

Tracklist: 1. Resilience; 2. Healing; 3. Push/Pull; 4. Reflection Point; 5. Chorale; 6. Play Date; 7. The Wanderer; 8. Same Mistakes; 9. Meditation on Peace.

Personnel: Jesse Fischer (piano, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond B-3, Moog Little Phatty, Prophet Rev2, Juno 106, mandolin, voice, percussion), Billy Buss (trumpet), Godwin Louis (soprano & alto sax), Morgan Guerin (tenor sax, EWI (4), drums (2, 7), Jordan Peters (guitar (1,3,4,6-9), David Cutler (bass (1-4,6-9), Obed Calvaire (drums (1, 3-6, 8, 9), Keita Ogawa (percussion (1, 3-6, 8, 9), Mino Cinélu (percussion ((2, 7)), Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (trumpet (1)), Becca Stevens (vocals (3)), Grégoire Maret (chromatic harmonica (7)), Sarah Elizabeth Charles (vocals (8)), Daniel Winshall (upright bass (5)), Michael Valeanu (guitar (6)).