Loren Stillman: Seer

NEWVELLE RECORDS (RELEASED APRIL 24, 2026)

Today’s world leaders would be wise to listen to Seer. For starters, the music is soothing, peaceful and calming, and that is exactly what the world needs now. Secondly, it’s a discourse between three individuals coming from various background who manage to create something very meaningful. Leader and saxophonist Loren Stillman brings Lee Konitz’s cool cerebral improvisations and long flowing lines to the table. Pianist Craig Taborn comes with his mix of melodic complexity and tense energy. Bassist Thomas Morgan comes with his sense of deep lyricism and experience in bridging the gap between post-bop and free jazz. Stillman’s pure and expressive tone is ideal for tunes that range from the introspective nature of “Waterworks” and “The Return” to the more joyous mood of “Seer” and “Victory Lap.” Rather than simply comping chords, Taborn creates complementary lines that intertwine with Stillman’s melodic excursions. Morgan deviates from the traditional role of a bass player as a rhythmic anchor to providing an endless array of harmonic colors and ever shifting structures. The group shows its true jazz colors on the upbeat “Mayday,” on which Taborn comp chords and Morgan adds a strong walking bass line. Like a well-tuned chamber ensemble, Stillman, Taborn and Morgan emphasize interplay and collaboration as they explore ten originals (nine composed by Stillman and one from the pen of Morgan) which vary in length from three to six minutes. Although Stillman is the dominant voice throughout Seer, Taborn and Morgan are given ample solo space to let their voices shine. Through it all, Stillman, Taborn and Morgan express their individual voices while agreeing on the basic principles of modern jazz — free expression, spirited experimentation and a democratic sharing of ideas. What could be more inspiring for today’s world leaders?

BOTTOM LINE: Seer is another wonderfully played, packaged and recorded effort from Newvelle Records. Saxophonist Loren Stillman, pianist Craig Taborn and bassist Thomas Morgan deliver ten originals that will capture your heart, mind and spirit.