(Seamus Blake on

At age 27, Isamu McGregor has established himself on a global scale as a highly sought-after pianist, keyboardist, musical director and arranger. Having toured the world over the last few years with an amazingly diverse group of artists (Richard Bona, Colbie Caillat, Virgil Donati, Sadao Watanabe), he has gradually been finding time between tours to work on his new album, Resonance, which will be released in June 2017 through LA-based Ghost Note Records. This will be his second album as a leader, following his 2012 debut Live at The Baked Potato, which received strong reviews from All About Jazz and other publications ('A bright talent, and a name from whom we're sure to hear a lot more').

While McGregor's first album was dominated by an electric/fusion sound that many characterized as a unique mix of Weather Report, Headhunters and Wayne Krantz, Resonance finds McGregor returning to a more acoustic setting. 'I've always loved playing acoustic piano, but I found that people knew me mainly as a keyboard player, due to the nature of my first album. And while I love keyboards and electronics, it would not be difficult for me to admit that acoustic piano is still my first passion.'

Resonance offers a mix of both acoustic and electric palettes that mutually inspire each other. McGregor plays grand piano on all but one track, while various keyboards and synthesizers make appearances throughout the record. Electric bassist Evan Marien and drummer Gene Coye return to provide a strong foundation that effortlessly accommodates the shifting styles from song to song. Guitarist Deen Anbar (who played on McGregor's first record in its entirety) makes a memorable appearance on 'Thor vs James Brown', and two special guests lend inspiration and lyricism to the acoustic side: Bennie Maupin on bass clarinet ('The Drifter'), and Seamus Blake on tenor saxophone ('Relentless').

Track Listing

• The Dreamer
• Relentless
• Halfway There
• Because
• The Drifter
• Thor vs James Brown
• The Tao of Flying

Additional Details

Label: Ghost Note Records

Genre: Jazz

Language: English

Run Time: 57 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/04/17

UPC: 641033910142