Joe Fonda: Eyes on the Horizon

LONG SONG RECORDS 163/2024 (RECORDED DECEMBER 2023)

Joe Fonda has made many musical connections during his 40-plus years as a well-respected bassist, bandleader and composer. Eyes on the Horizon celebrates one of the most meaningful connections. Conceived as a gift from a former student to his master teacher, Eyes on the Horizon recognizes the impact trumpeter/educator Wadada Leo Smith had on Fonda. Since the time of their first meeting at the Creative Music Improvisors Forum in the early 1980s, Smith’s artistic integrity, perseverance and ongoing creativity has been a source of inspiration for Fonda. To show his admiration for his former student, Smith’s iconic trumpet playing joins Fonda on all seven originals written for this memorable session. Eyes on the Horizon also recognizes Fonda’s connection with Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii, who he has recorded five duo albums since 2015, and drummer Tiziano Tononi, who he has collaborated with on seven albums since 2018. Although this is the first time these four musicians have played together, the common bonds and respect they have for one another results in a session that comforts, mesmerizes and engages the listener with every note. Whether it’s the intricacies of a full quartet performance, the warmth of various trumpet/bass duos, Fujii’s use of the total sonic possibilities of the piano or the percussive colors Tononi meticulously adds to the music, Fonda’s compositions are always at the tipping point between structure and spontaneity. In addition to the pieces dedicated to Smith, Fonda and Smith perform a heartfelt duet on “Like No Other,” a piece dedicated to friend and vibraphonist Bobby Naughton. Because Eyes on the Horizon is all about connections, I suggest you connect with this outstanding example of modern jazz created by some of the masters of the art.

BOTTOM LINE: How do you say thank you to a musical mentor who has shaped your career? Bassist/composter Joe Fonda found the perfect way in Eyes on the Horizon, a
recording he dedicates to trumpeter/educator Wadada Leo Smith. Better yet, Smith joins the ensemble along with Fonda, pianist Satoko Fujii and drummer Tiziana Tononi for a session of inspired solos, solid compositions and all-important spontaneity.