Hot New Local Single: Abebi Stafford

Abebi Stafford is a Twin Cities mainstay best known for his masterful piano and organ work. For his fourth release as a leader, Stolen By Lies, Stafford has connected with some of the great players in our scene and turned out an energetic and inspired selection of originals plus one Keith Jarrett number. The title track jumps out of the gate with a breakneck groove helmed by Pete James Johnson behind the kit and Graydon Peterson on the bass. Throughout the tune Abebi Stafford pushes the energy from the piano bench with a dense harmonic statement that carries a melancholic spirit even at the brisk tempo. Stafford’s solo shines with long stretches where his spirit and emotion are as front and center as his formidable technique. “Stolen by Lies” is a unique groove and song within the jazz songbook and this trio does an incredible job presenting the work. 

Hot New Local Singles highlights new, local songs. Minnesota has a lot of great jazz, funk, soul, and jazz- adjacent music, and Jazz88 is highlighting what is fresh.


More Posts for Show: This Just In

Related Posts