THE EMPRESS

SQUARE ONE

Cellar Music
THE EMPRESS: Pureum Jin, soprano & alto saxophone; Erena Terakubo, alto saxophone; Chelsea Baratz, tenor saxophone; Lauren Sevian, baritone saxophone. RHYTHM SECTION: Steve Ash, piano; Joey Ranieri, bass; Pete Van Nostrand, drums.

The first song played by these four female horn masters storms onto the scene, spurred by Pete Van Nostrand’s busy drumsticks and Joey Ranieri’s fast walking bass line. Bravo to THE EMPRESS group, who play with gusto and assertiveness right from the first tune called “Instant Composure.” It’s a composition by Michael Lutzeier, who also did most of the arranging on this album. This is straight-ahead bebop at its best!

These women blow their horns without compunction or apology. They are making a dynamic statement right from the start. Lauren Sevian soars on baritone saxophone, and there’s nothing I like better than a well-represented baritone saxophone solo. Pepper Adams would be proud. Each woman steps forward to show off mastery of their talent. Erena Terakubo offers a smoking alto saxophone solo, as does Chelsea Baratz on tenor. Pureum Jim displays strength, creativity, and excellence throughout this recording, displaying her technical skills on both soprano and alto saxophones.

On “But Not for Me,” pianist Steve Ash struts his fingers across the 88 keys with technical power and creativity. The lovely horn harmonics by these four ladies are a constant throughout this production. On “Caravan,” Pete Van Nostrand exceeds expectations during his powerhouse drum solo. On “Stablemates,” Joey Ranieri is boldly featured on double bass, and he does not disappoint.

These female musicians breathe magic into nine jazz standards and two awesome original tunes by arranger Lutzeier. All four horn players bring power and excitement to the bandstand. Award-winning jazz artist Pureum Jin is a South Korean woodwind player, arranger, and composer who released her first highly praised album on the Cellar Music label in 2019 titled “The Real Blue.” She is the group leader. Lauren Sevian is THE EMPRESS Production Advisor and a Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist, also the winner of the “Rising Star” Baritone Saxophonist Downbeat Critics Poll in 2020. Erena Terakubo is a multi-woodwind player from Sapporo, Japan. She released her first album when she was still in high school, with six albums already released, collaborating with such jazz giants as Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Lenny White, David Hazeltine, Lewis Nash, and more. Chelsea Baratz is another critically acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and vocalist. She’s also a smart business manager. This Pittsburgh-born superstar moved to New York City to study at the New School in 2006 and released her debut album, “In Faith.”

I am definitely a fan of THE EMPRESS! On “Square One,” their first album as a unit. These ladies swing harder than Shohei Ohtani hit those baseballs beyond the field of Dodger Stadium.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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