Present Tense by Jay Azzolina
Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Jay Azzolina announces Present Tense, his fifth album as a leader, released September 5th, 2025 via Truth Revolution Records Collective. The lead single, “Big Lou,” will be available August 8th, 2025 on all streaming platforms. The album’s sound challenges jazz conventions, offering a fresh step into modernization.
This collection of original tunes marks a bold, contemporary shift in jazz, notably through the innovative inclusion of accordion—an instrument rarely heard in modern jazz quartets."After hearing Sonny Barbato play I immediately decided to include accordion on this recording," Azzolina explains. "His accordion playing was incredibly soulful and made me want to hear him playing my music on an instrument that was totally new to me." Azzolina’s journey into jazz began with an early love for the guitar inspired by the harmonic richness of Lenny Breau, and his compositions on Present Tense continue that legacy with a distinct modern perspective.
Since relocating to the UK in August 2024, Azzolina has embraced fresh creative collaborations, drawing from the rich musical cultures of Britain and Wales. Present Tense represents his ongoing exploration as a composer and bandleader, featuring all original material that highlights his evolving harmonic and textural sensibilities. "The title, ‘Present Tense’ pretty much says it all," Azzolina shares. "So much of our lives as humans is taken over by reliving the past and or worrying about the future. It so often seems that we aren’t really living in the present. For me, writing and performing music automatically places one in the present. It’s the default tense, and I guess I want to emphasize the importance of it on this recording."
With Present Tense, Jay Azzolina offers a fresh and heartfelt exploration of jazz’s possibilities—rooted in tradition but boldly forward-looking, inviting listeners to experience the music fully in the moment.
Tracklist
| 1. | Big Lou | 7:25 |
| 2. | Viracocha | 7:13 |
| 3. | I Choose You | 7:26 |
| 4. | Clarebelle | 6:35 |
| 5. | He's Back | 6:28 |
| 6. | It's All About You | 5:24 |
| 7. | Rhythms Change | 3:22 |
| 8. | While We're Here | 2:55 |
Credits
Jay Azzolina – Guitar
Joe “Sonny” Barbato – Accordion, Piano (Track 4)
Dave Zinno – Bass
Rafael Barata – Drums, Percussion (Track 2)
Recorded at Stable Sound in Portsmouth, RI
Produced by Jay Azzolina
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Steve Rizzo
