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Soul Scene

Justin Chart

Label: Universal Music Group
Released: 2025
Duration: 48:09
Views: 252

Tracks

1. Soul Scene 4:55; 2. Go To It 4:48; 3. She Comes in Wave 5:18; 4. Rainmaker 5:40; 5. The E in FREE 6:08; 6. Three or Six 6:12; 7. Sun Smiles Darkly 5:01; 8. Umbral 5:25; 9. Fever Dream 4:37;

Personnel

Album Description

https://www.lajazzscene.com/jazz-cd-reviews-march-2026/

JUSTIN CHART
Soul Scene
February 2026

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

If you want to understand the current state of the Los Angeles jazz scene, look no further than Justin Chart’s “Soul Scene”. Chart has assembled a supreme team for this outing. Andy Sanesi (drums) and Ken Wild (bass) create a rhythmic pocket so deep you could get lost in it, while Bill Cunliffe adds a layer of intellectual elegance on the piano, with great comping and blazing solos.

However, the real star remains Chart’s alto. His solos are structured with an architectural logic that is rare in purely improvised sessions; they have clear beginnings, soaring middles, and satisfying conclusions.

The chemistry here is undeniable. There is a sense of “telepathy” between Chart and bassist Ken Wild, whose walking lines provide a sturdy yet flexible foundation for the album’s soul-drenched grooves. Whether the tempo is a burning hard-bop burner or a late-night ballad, Chart remains focused on the “story” of the song." Soul Scene” feels like a private invitation to an evocative, and entirely authentic intimate performance. It is easily one of the most accessible and moving jazz records to come out of the west coast in years.

”Soul Scene” The quintessential groover of the set, this title track serves as a warm, bluesy centerpiece with a deep, pocket-driven rhythm. Chart’s alto takes us places, and his laid-back feel provides a classic invitation to the soulful world of modern jazz. This balance is achieved through a deep reverence for the blues and hard bop, coupled with a modern rhythmic sensibility that keeps the music moving with an almost urban, propulsive pace.

“Umbral” Meaning “threshold,” this track leans into mystery with a shadowy, slow-burning groove and a modern, slightly edgy sophistication. It utilizes a clever use of space and texture to lead the listener into a deeper, more experimental jazz territory. There are intricate rhythms going on as well. I like the feel of “Three or SIx”, as it grooves in six.

While Chart is often known as “The Blizzard”—his reputation for high-octane, fiery runs—Soul Scene reveals a more nuanced side of his artistry. ”Sun Smiles Darkly” This evocative piece balances bright, major-key melodies with underlying minor-key “shadows” to create a hauntingly beautiful contrast. It explores the atmospheric side of soul-jazz, using subtle dynamics to paint a sophisticated musical narrative.

The hallmark of this record is Chart’s signature, it is exceptionally strong, yet grounded in a profound melodicism that suggests a player who is truly “singing” through the horn. Cunliffe’s piano work provides a sophisticated harmonic bed, while the rhythm section of Andy Sanesi and Ken Wild operates with surgical precision. Sanesi’s drumming is particularly kinetic, driving the quartet through shifts in intensity without ever crowding the soloist. This isn’t just an album of improvisations; it’s a living, breathing musical conversation.

“Go To It” An upbeat and celebratory composition, is defined by bright flourishes by both Chart and Cunliffe and a relentless “straight-ahead” drive. The track’s infectious energy and rhythmic persistence make it a standout for its sheer optimistic momentum. ”Fever Dream” This track features a hypnotic, theme that mirrors the lucid energy of a vivid uninhabited, untamed dream. It showcases virtuosic saxophone runs over a restless rhythm section, blending soulful urgency with sharp improvisational turns.

This collection leans into the “soul-jazz” tradition—fusing hard-bop sophistication with bluesy, gospel-influenced grooves and infectious rhythms, is a place you want to be and a vibe you want to feel.

Chart, Cunliffe, Sanesi and Wild are fully ablaze here, and the unexpected is what’s happening.

https://justinchart.lnk.to/SoulScene

Album uploaded by Justin Chart