Altin Sencalar
Altin Sencalar’s Unleashed
A Vibrant Jazz Journey Set for Release on March 28th
We got to prelisten to trombonist Altins Sencalar’s upcoming album Unleashed, which will be released on March 28th on Post-Tone Records. This is his third release on this label and as on his previous releases – five so far – he wrote a bunch of fine original compositions, wrote some hip arrangements, and chose a band, that’s helped him to transend his musical vision or in his words: »Unleashed is an album that captures my overall headspace as an individual.«
A Stellar Lineup
Sencalar is joined by an all-star ensemble of musicians, each bringing their unique voice to the project:
- Greg Tardy on tenor saxophone and clarinet
- Bruce Williams on flute, alto saxophone, and soprano saxophone
- Behn Gillece on vibraphone
- Boris Kozlov on bass
- E.J. Strickland on drums
A Deep Dive into the Album
The album holds 10 songs, 6 of which are Sencalar’s originals with the addition of tunes from Behn Gillece, Michael Dease, Eric Dolphy’s 17 West, and jazz standard Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise.
The album opens with a title track Unleashed which is a fast tune that shows the musical abilities of all band members. From the slow rubato vibraphone intro, we can tell, that Behn Gillece will bring us some vibes treat on this record. We like the sound of only vibraphone taking role of only harmonic instrument in this group as it makes a more soft, vibrant sound overall.
Obsession has a different vibe, starting a hypnotic bass-vibes interplay, with an ostinato foundation that paradoxically offers freedom for improvisation.
Forgiveness is a more simple, uplifting tune, bringing joy to the stand. A Behn Gillece composition Set Adrift blends trombone, sax, and vibes in a fresh, thought-provoking arrangement full of intricate textures. For us, a standout track on the album is 17 West by Eric Dolphy. A nice arrangement over a groovy New Orleans inspired beat is what makes it special. But then with a brilliant clarinet solo by Tardy followed by a trombone solo that at the beginning starts as duet with drums only, it elevates even further. The ending section bringing some collective improvisation is a cherry on top.
An atechnically demanding tune Solid Gold by Michael Dease is infused with Latin energy, a mambo-inspired bridge, and fast-moving trombone lines.
Buenaventura – a rumba-flavoured composition reminiscent of some standard tunes with an unconventional blend of trombone, flute, and clarinet, creating a haunting and unique orchestration is a nice easy listening piece.
Straight Street is a Coltrane-inspired tune with intricate changes, a chaotic yet thematic intro, and a deep connection to the roots of blues-infused jazz. It is always nice to hear a bold reinvention of the standard, which in this case is Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise, shifting to major harmonies and featuring a lyrical trombone-soprano saxophone duet. The album closes with a hip, positive original What’s Next, a fusion of jazz and modern R&B/hip-hop harmonies, pushing the envelope with rich chord tensions and a fresh approach to composition.
Why Unleashed Stands Out
Unleashed is a testament to Altin Sencalar’s growth as a soloist, composer, and bandleader and it showcases his versatility and creativity. We liked the album for its diversity of styles, from Latin-infused grooves to bluesy introspection. The band’s chemistry is palpable, and the performances are nothing short of stellar.
Catch Them Live
The album’s promotion kicks off with a performance at Django in New York City on March 28th. We suggest you to catch this band live as albums shows, this band can deliver even more on a live stage. Don’t miss the chance to experience their energy and artistry live.
Altins Sencalar shines as a soloist, componist, and bandleader, and for sure he is ready for some residencies in New York jazz clubs.
Mark your calendars for March 28th and get ready to be unleashed.
You can catch him at The Django. | Listen to his Unleash album. | Follow him on his website.