Opus 5 - Swing On This

With 'Swing On This', the all-star quintet Opus 5 presents its fifth Criss Cross album, and first since 2015's 'Tickle' [Criss 1383). The all-star sobriquet is not an exaggeration - the collective discographies of trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, pianist David Kikoski, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards, all international first-callers, total more than 30 Criss Cross leader dates.

The Album was recorded September 7, 2021 at the Samurai Hotel Recording Studio in NY. Recording engineer Mike Marciano who also did the editing, mixing and mastering at Systems Two in NY.

During the seven-year gap that separates 'Tickle' from 'Swing On This', the members found fewer opportunities to play. Everyone was busy with other projects. Covid-19 made it problematic to convene. Blake and Sipiagin relocated to Europe. Then, last summer, when Blake scheduled a trip in New York to conduct personal business, Opus 5 seized the opportunity to go in the studio to record eight pieces with engineer Mike Marciano. With a single brief rehearsal under their belt, they navigate the repertoire with fluent mutual intuition and deep commitment.

Seamus Blake: tenor saxophone
Alex Sipiagin: trumpet, flugel horn
David Kikoski: piano, Fender Rhodes
Boris Kozlov: bass
Donald Edwards: drums

Press:

The gripping narratives and disciplined warmth of modern jazz quintet Opus 5's latest release reflect dues paid at the centre of New York jazz...fine-tunes the jazz mainstream with a mostly original set that includes subtle hip-hop inflections and Latin jazz alongside a core jazz pulse...the band's musicianship is exemplary throughout. - **** Financial Times