Liner Notes

Johnathan Blake ’s 2021 Blue Note debut Homeward Bound was a celebration of life and legacy that introduced the drummer-composer’s masterful modern jazz quintet Pentad featuring alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins , vibraphonist Joel Ross , keyboardist David Virelles , and bassist Dezron Douglas . The 8-song set is imbued with warmth and swing as heard on the album’s emotional and musical centerpiece, “Homeward Bound (for Ana Grace),” a tribute to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, the daughter of saxophonist Jimmy Greene and flutist Nelba Marquez-Greene, who perished in the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Other standout Blake originals include “Rivers & Parks,” a piece that evokes the distinctive musical styles of both Sam Rivers and Aaron Parks, and the uptempo burner “LLL” dedicated to drummer Larence “Lo” Leathers. The album also looked to unusual sources of repertoire with a stunning arrangement of the South African traditional “Abiyoyo” and a rousing cover of Joe Jackson’s 1982 hit “Steppin’ Out.”