This week’s hot new local single features the Society of Chemists, a Twin Cities-based quartet including saxophonist/flautist/keyboardist Stephanie Wieseler, pianist Jack Barrett, bassist Charlie Bruber and drummer Ben Erlich. You may have caught their set this summer at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Sometimes described as a fusion group, whatever the appropriate category is for their music, they always seem to come up with infectious grooves, intriguing tone colors and well-paced performances. “Sanctioned Apathy” starts out with some contemplative solo piano and slowly builds in intensity with the entrances of the bass and drums, and then finally Stephanie Wieseler’s singing tenor saxophone. If I had to describe the music in just a few words, I would call it pensive, lyrical, and maybe even cathartic. The recording is beautifully captured as well. Credit for mixing and matering goes to Jason McGlone at Jason McGlone at Hideaway Studios.
Sam Keenan, producer of Minnesota Jazz Trax, sat down with members of the ensemble in 2024, and you can listen to that conversation here.
Listen to the single:
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