Good Spirits by Alexander Claffy

During the livestreaming concert peak of 2020, I assembled a top-of-the-line NY “pickup band” for a benefit broadcast on behalf of Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia. I could not have anticipated the magic this ensemble created, and after my good friend Cory Weeds watched the performance online, we both realized that this group was deserving of further exploration, so we set out to make a record. Unlike any of my prior record dates, we had a narrow deadline and a very fresh group of musicians without much rapport built up. I quickly realized, however, that each band member brought great depth to the table, and thus the best path forward was to simply lay back, relax, listen and enjoy.

With a group this stellar, the challenge was filtering out what could and couldn’t be done. Can they play any song? Can Joe Farnsworth possibly lend his beautiful feel on the drums to every single song? Can Nicole and Benny improvise so beautifully on every tune? Does Julius really play every song he sees for the first time as if he wrote it himself?

The answer, of course, was always a resounding YES. I felt complete freedom to assemble a balanced set of both favorite standards and original compositions that were precisely tailored to lift spirits. It was my privilege as a bandleader to be in the company of such kind, generous and humble spirits, lending their whole selves to the music on each track.

I started by recalling compositions from the deeply impactful time that Joe Farnsworth and I had spent playing with the late piano giant Harold Mabern: “Inner Glimpse” and “There But For The Grace Of” (composed by McCoy Tyner and Mabern, respectively). I am eternally grateful to Joe for putting me on many stages with Mr. Mabern. Those moments changed my life forever! Joe also wisely suggested we tackle Freddie Hubbard’s “Straight Life,” which served as just one of Joe’s many epic contributions to this record.

When I started to compose for this date, there were two figures that stuck out right away. I felt indebted to them for their friendship, mentorship and individuality, both on and off the bandstand.
First, I was compelled to honor the immaculate bassist Gerald Cannon. Gerald has brought so much knowledge, authenticity and inspiration to my life that, upon thinking of my hero, the song “For The Great Gerald Cannon” just flew out of the pen, practically writing itself.

Second, I was inspired to write another original titled “Beeb’s Lament,” which stems from a nickname for our ebullient trumpeter Benny Benack III, who is among my closest pals. I have always been struck by his wit, both thoughtful and hilarious, and perhaps most admirably, unabashedly himself. Benny has been one of my closest brothers since we both moved to NYC as teenagers aspiring for the careers we’ve now built together. That brotherhood is built to last, and here’s hoping we get to enjoy the driving, grooving shuffle that Joe lays down on this tune for decades to come...

I knew Nicole Glover would illuminate the entire record on the tenor saxophone, especially the Joe Henderson classic “Isotope,” which highlights the impeccable emotion, phrasing and lyricism in her playing. I was also certain that Julius would captivate the listener, effortlessly bringing them into his beautiful musical world, whether it was setting up a song like “Beijo Partido,” or any of his other fantastic solos on this record. These two coupled with Benny and Joe make me feel like the luckiest bassist and composer on the planet!

There’s not enough paper in the world to print all of my sentiments, thanks and admiration for this absolute knockout band, as well as the engineering team and everyone at Cellar Music/La Reserve. Without further ado, kick back and enjoy these Good Spirits.

Alexander Claffy
New York, NY
July 2021

Since moving to New York City in 2011, Alexander Claffy has had the honor of working with many of his living heroes, including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Harold Mabern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Christian Scott, Joey Alexander, Wallace Roney and many more. In the past 3 years he has recorded for the Verve, HighNote, Positone, RopeADope and Cellar Live record labels.

https://www.claffytaffy.com