Mountains [CD]

Mountains is an ambitious project from celebrated jazz pianist and composer Micah Thomas. His first large ensemble work, it offers an expansive and emotionally rich listening experience that explores the depths of musical storytelling. This exploratory project features Thomas alongside some of the most inventive luminaries in modern jazz, including trumpeter Adam O'Farrill, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, trombonist Caleb Smith, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall and drummer Kweku Sumbry. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of acoustic large ensemble music, Thomas reflects on the profound impact that formative musical experiences have had on his artistic development. Mountains is a testament to his journey through various musical influences, from Itzhak Perlman's orchestral performances to the emotive power of Charles Mingus' The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, and the bold narratives of Mahler, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev.