For those unaware, Jason Kush’s new album, Finally Friday expresses the communal feeling of relief attained by the passage of a trying time and the arrival into a period of repose.

This feeling of short-term survival is most often felt at the conclusion of the work week or end of a stressful time. However, for the musician, Friday not only means the completion of the weekdays, but time to hit the stage and experience the release of artistic creation.

The anticipation of such an opportunity to not only express but to provide sonic soul food for others is immense. The artist simultaneously gives and receives. That moment of euphoria is, as they say, Finally Friday.

1. Hasty J (7:17)
2. Finally Friday (8:50)
3. Slipping Through the Cracks (7:22)
4. With Thoughts of Agnes (8:13)
5. Asked and Answered (9:46)
6. Easy Going (7:22)
7. Soledad del Otoño (7:52)
8. Razor Burn (5:47)

This dedicated, soulfully heartfelt album opens on the finger-snapping, spirited swing of Hasty J and then brings us the lushly-orchestrated layered harmonies within the titular Finally Friday, the drum-led Slipping Through the Cracks and then we get the lushly dulcet With Thoughts of Agnes.

Along next is the studiously-hued, balladry gossamer of the near ten minute Asked and Answered and that is itself backed seamlessly by the after dinner drinks special of Easy Going, the recording rounding out on the quietly shimmering Soledad del Otoño, closing on the fervently-charged Razor Burn.

Jason Kush Quartet:
Jason Kush, tenor saxophone Alton Merrell, piano
Jeff Grubbs, bass
David Glover, drums

Dr. Jason Kush is an active saxophonist, educator, and scholar. Kush has performed as a soloist and ensemble member in wide variety of genres in the United States, Europe, Central and South America.

Kush has extensive experience as an orchestral musician, performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (over 200 services including a 2013 European tour), the Russian National Orchestra, and New World Symphony (including a 2008 European Tour).

In addition to his membership in the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, Kush has worked as a free-lance jazz/commercial saxophonist with the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild Big Band, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the South Florida Jazz Orchestra, East Central Jazz Educators All-Star Big Band, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Benny Golson, Maceo Parker, Sean Jones, Freddy Cole, and to name just a few others, Kevin Mahogany, Wayne Bergeron, Frank Sinatra, Jr. along with Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Manilow, Common, Patti LuPone, and Johnny Mathis.

Kush’s solo discography includes Intersecting Lines (New Focus Records/Naxos) and Sonate (Armazi Productions) and now includes 2023’s Finally Friday (MCG Jazz).

www.jasonkush.com

www.mcgjazz.org