Jeff Rupert: Sea Spell

RUPE MEDIA (RELEASED JUNE 29, 2026)

If you want to know what summer sounds like, listen to Sea Spell. Saxophonist Jeff Rupert and his quartet deliver nine selections that are relaxed, breezy, sultry, sizzling, balmy and refreshing. Accompanying Rupert on this summer sojourn are musicians who share his passion for keeping things as carefree as an afternoon on the beach (much like the cover depicts) — pianist Richard Drexler, bassist Ben Kramer and drummer Marty Morell. Rupert continues to bring his “no nonsense” approach to six original compositions and three standards. The opening four tracks have a distinctive Latin groove to them. Rupert’s warm and legato approach on tenor sax (reminiscent of Stan Getz) effortlessly floats over Fran Landesman’s “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most,” the “Song for My Father” feel of his original “Blue Steel,” the rhythmic pulse of Mario Bauza’s “Mambo Inn” and the soothing bossa mood of the title track “Sea Spell.” Rupert’s playing shifts to more straight-ahead jazz on originals such as “Look Who’s Calling,” with its opening and closing taking a cue from “If I Were a Bell;” the shifting rhythms of “A Breeze Through the Keys;” the up tempo “Orca-Stration” and the swinging blues of “Wednesday’s News.” Squeezed between the originals is a heartfelt treatment of Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” Although Rupert is featured on all selections, the rhythm section does have several opportunities to shine (could not resist that summer pun). Drexler’s solos on all tunes match Rupert’s lyrical and fluid style. Morell’s drumming propels the mood without being obtrusive, which explains why he fit in so well with Bill Evans. Like Morell, Kramer seems to be content supporting the quartet with perfectly chosen notes and rhythmic figures. He does manage to sneak in a nice solo on “Look Who’s Calling.” Sea Spell may not make it to any “Best of 2026” lists, but it is the perfect complement to a nice summer day — it’s relaxed, breezy, sultry, sizzling, balmy and refreshing!

BOTTOM LINE: The spirit of Stan Getz looms over tenor player Jeff Rupert on Sea Spell.
Like Getz, Rupert’s sound is warm and lyrical. His sound floats over the sensitive support
of pianist Richard Drexler, bassist Ben Kramer and drummer Marty Morell on six originals and three standards. Like Rupert’s last release, “It Gets Better,” the music is straight-forward, straight-ahead and straight out of a simpler time for which we all yearn.