It Could Be Anything by Loren Stillman is a masterclass in how to transcend traditional boundaries yet stay true to the very essence of jazz. Fresh Sound New Talent, an influential label of modern jazz, issued this album, which is an exemplar of Stillman’s vision of finding the perfect balance between structure and freedom.
It’s a complex world from the first note-between melody and improvisation. Stillman creates a sonic landscape that invites reflection and exploration with his beautiful, vibrant, lyrical style and boldness of imagination. Rather than individual songs, this album verges more towards a fully formed whole, each piece having something to say in its own right toward the grander tale being told.
It Could Be Anything is rooted in the avant-garde jazz tradition that challenges listeners to engage deeply but offers rich textures and surprising turns as a reward. A work that speaks to the intellect while resonating emotionally.
The Creative Ensemble – A Blend of Visionary Talent
No great record is a singular affair, and It Could Be Anything is no exception. Loren Stillman is joined by a handpicked gathering of renowned musicians who provide the album with distinctive voices. Each member of the quartet is a seasoned artist in their own right, and together, they create a synergy that elevates the album to extraordinary heights.
- Loren Stillman – alto saxophone: Stillman’s playing is at once intricate and expressive, weaving melodies that are both introspective and adventurous. His tone is warm but sharp and cuts through the ensemble with clarity and purpose.
- Gary Versace – piano: A versatile pianist, Versace brings layers of harmonic complexity and emotional depth to the music. His improvisations feel spontaneous but never out of place, fitting seamlessly with Stillman’s saxophone lines.
- Drew Gress – bass: Gress provides the ensemble with rich, resonant basslines. His rhythmic precision and melodic sensibility form the foundation upon which the rest of the music is built.
- Joey Baron – drums: Baron’s drumming is dynamic and inventive, ranging from delicate brushwork to driving rhythms that propel the music forward. His ability to interact with the other musicians in real-time is a highlight of the album.
The way these musicians play off one another is miraculous: They listen as much as they play, creating a dialogue that is organic and electric.
Tracklist Highlights – Standout Composition
The cuts on this album are wide-ranging, each with its unique surprise. Such compositions make it clear why Loren Stillman can merge traditional jazz forms into innovative ideas, now timeless, now contemporary.
- “The Crotales”: This opening track establishes the tone for the album with its meditative atmosphere and intricate interplay. It gets its title from a kind of percussion instrument and already signals the rhythmic complication and textural richness of the piece.
- “It Could Be Anything”: The title track of the album is a kind of centerpiece, as it perfectly embodies its ethos of endless possibility. Stillman’s saxophone is front and center on this tune, the performance as much a display of technical brilliance as raw emotion.
- “Blind Date”: Playful and rhythmically inventive, this cut shows how the quartet can move seamlessly between tightly written sections and sections of free-wheeling improvisation. It’s a joyful exploration of musical spontaneity.
- “Quintessential”: A softer, more contemplative work that really brings out the lyrical elements in Stillman’s saxophone and the sensitive ensemble accompaniment.
Each track rewards repeated playing, unfolding different layers of detail and meaning with successive hearings.
Why It Could Be Anything Is a Must-Listen
What sets It Could Be Anything apart is its cross-sectional potential to please a wide range of listeners. For the seasoned jazz listener, this album provides an update on what jazz can and does sound like, fusing bebop, free jazz, and contemporary classical into a unique whole. For the newcomer, it’s an accessible in-road to avant-garde jazz through its melodically sensitive and ingeniously executed performances.
Lorent Stillman is a cerebral and heartfelt approach. The album’s complex structure and improvisational passages will appeal to the intellectually minded; meanwhile, its emotional depth will make certain it reaches listeners on a personal level. Whether a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, there is something here for you.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Since its release, It Could Be Anything has gained critical and popular acclaim. In fact, Loren Stillman is known to push the boundaries with jazz, yet he sustains the essence of it; hence, he can be considered among the most innovative voices in this genre. Publications have praised the sophistication of its composition and the extraordinary chemistry of its performers.