Keyboardist/Composer John Escreet's 'Learn To Live' A Convergence Of Electronic + Acoustic Exploration (Out Oct 12 On Blue Room Music)

Keyboardist / composer John Escreet returns with his first album of composed music in five years, 'Learn to Live' (out Oct. 12 / Blue Room Music). The album finds Exploring the deepest facets of what the keyboard can do - from the Prophet 6 synth to Fender Rhodes to acoustic piano and beyond. Joined by Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Greg Osby (saxophone), Matt Brewer (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Justin Brown (drums). Over ten tracks, Escape presents a thrilling snapshot of his provocative, envelope-pushing spirit in the world of jazz and experimental music. And provides sonic commentary on the current state of the world while doing so.   

'Learn to Live' is a fascinating juxtaposition of the acoustic with the electronic. Bent notes, sweeping pads, and chaotic ring balanced modulation with avant garde forays The album begins with "Opening," a majestic presentation of progressive snappy funk, while two drummers snarl away under a stabbing synth pattern. It's followed by the polyrhythmic meditation of "Broken Justice (Kalief)" - a composition he wrote for Kalief Browder. "Lady T's Vibe" is a deep, sinewy funk work out, a dialed back groove for trumpeter Nicholas Payton to devilishly toy with. 

"Opening" is included in WBGO's "Take Five" column today. Listen to it here:  https://bit.ly/2nPw38i

"A triumphant overture ... this is new-breed fusion of a stylish spell ... and it should be raised expectations for what's to come." - WBGO

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/johnescreet/opening/s-e5Qo1 

The project represents a combination of two separate groups that John was performing with in 2017. With the album plans already in the works, he pulled everyone from both bands together, a dream-come-true opportunity to cut this new work with him. The album finds the drummers Eric Harland and Justin Brown performing on a total of 4 songs together (tracks 1, 2, 4 and 8), and John experimenting with drum machine as well. The album was recorded at Sear Sound, and was self-produced. 

Watch a short video on the making of the album here:  https://youtu.be/wDN3SJVTdFY

John Escreet has been praised by the NY Times, The Guardian, Downbeat and Beyond for his limited approach to the keyboard in contemporary jazz. Since his debut he is one of the most exciting pianists in his recent years, and a prolific, esteemed bandleader. He has worked with Tyshawn Sorey, David Binney, Ambrose Akinmusire, has collaborated with artists as diverse as LA-based pop duo 'KNOWER' and British free-jazz icon Evan Parker, and for the past seven years has been recording / touring extensively with Antonio Sanchez's Migration Band.

TRACKLIST FOR 'LEARN TO LIVE'

1.      Opening
2.      Broken Justice (Kalief)
3.      Lady T's Vibe
4.      Test Run
5.      Learn To Live
6.      A World Without Guns
7.      Smokescreen
8.      Global Citizen
9.      contradictions
10.      Humanity Please

JOHN ESCREET ON THE WEB:

http://www.johnescreet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/john.escreet.33/

@john_escreet

https://www.instagram.com/john_escreet/?hl=en