Few recordings in the extensive weave of modern jazz really capture the core of musical greatness as much as Jeff Rupert’s most recent effort. “It Gets Better” is a monument to the continuing force of jazz, where individual skill meets group brilliance in a well-produced musical discussion, not simply a collection of tunes.
A Historic Recording at Van Gelder
Recorded in September 2021 at the venerable Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, “It Gets Better” epitomizes modern jazz talent. They led an acoustic arrangement alongside pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Each is a revered artist whose combined talents are unmatched in today’s jazz scene. This amazing session brings together an outstanding quartet of jazz masters.
The Musical Landscape
The recording offers a finely selected set of nine pieces, six original Rupert compositions, and three well-picked classics. Opening with “Petrichor (in The Cote D’Azur),” the album immediately establishes its artistic vision, evoking nostalgic dreams of 1950s and 1960s France. Rupert’s lithe, swinging composition sets the tone, with his spellbinding horn gliding effortlessly through delightful chord changes while opening space for engaging solos by Barron and Washington.
Masterful Interpretations
Among the standards, Billy Strayhorn’s “Lana Turner,” an early iteration of his classic “Charpoy,” receives a deeply bluesy treatment that showcases the quartet’s sophisticated interplay. The arrangement of “Like Someone in Love” began as a studio warm-up and evolved into a striking, sparse arrangement highlighting Washington’s dynamic bass work and Farnsworth’s brilliant drum work. Marc Shaiman’s “Nowhere to Go But Up” from “Mary Poppins Returns” transforms into an elevating jazz waltz, with Rupert’s tremolo saxophone work creating a magical sense of ascension.
Rupert’s Original Compositions
“Pharaoh’s Daughter” is one of the album’s most compelling original pieces, featuring dark, minor tones and a rich melody reflecting the biblical narrative of Moses’s rescue. Rupert’s arrangement incorporates unexpected intervals and takes the music “outside,” demonstrating his willingness to push boundaries while maintaining accessibility. The album concludes with two more Rupert originals: the upbeat “Not My Blues,” featuring exhilarating four-bar exchanges between the musicians, and the laid-back “Promenade in Blue,” offering a fitting close to this remarkable session.
The Getz Connection and Artistic Legacy
Throughout the album, Rupert’s tenor saxophone work draws inevitable and favorable comparisons to jazz giant Stan Getz. His warm, fireside tone and masterful phrasing echo Getz’s influential style—a comparison given weight by John Coltrane’s famous quote about Getz: “We’d all sound like that if we could.” This connection is further strengthened by Kenny Barron’s presence, who was a mainstay in one of Getz’s later quartets.
Distinguished Career and Global Impact
As a Distinguished Professor at the University of Central Florida, Rupert brings decades of rich experience to this recording. Among his remarkable group performances are those with Maynard Ferguson, Sam Rivers, Diane Schuur, Mel Tormé, and Grammy Award-winning “Harlem Renaissance” Benny Carter. His worldwide influence encompasses shows at esteemed locations, including the Chicago Blues Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Lucerne Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz Festival, and many more around Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, and beyond.
Production Excellence and Ensemble Synergy
Serving as both a performer and producer, Rupert ensures every track reflects his artistic vision while allowing ample space for individual expression. The quartet’s remarkable synergy creates an almost magical interplay throughout the album. Washington’s bass work provides a solid foundation, while Farnsworth’s drumming adds support and counterpoint. Barron’s piano work, as always, demonstrates why he’s considered one of jazz’s most respected pianists.
A Contemporary Jazz Milestone
More than simply another jazz album, “It Gets Better” results from technical proficiency, creative quality, and emotional depth. By deftly bridging classic jazz sensibilities with contemporary interpretations, the album creates music that appeals to seasoned jazz devotees and new listeners. Rupert and his trio have produced a modern jazz record on this album that acknowledges legacy while advancing into fresh ground.