For those unaware, described as a saxophonist and composer with “sheer creative firepower,” (The Jazz Word) with music that is “full of peaks, valleys, unexpected twists and turns, and exceptional solos, with solid group interactions,” (All About Jazz), Alex Weitz is a musician whose prowess and fount of originality speaks for itself.

Following his first two records, Chroma (2013) and Luma (2017), Weitz returns with Rule of Thirds, due out April 28th, 2023 via Outside In Music.

After pandemic-induced career adjustments and the profoundly-felt loss of his father, Weitz began to sketch the rich musical tales of Rule of Thirds as a means of overcoming such challenges. With renewed drive and focus, this release marks the forging of new beginnings across eight original compositions and one arrangement, a stalwart showcase of deeply-interactive creativity.

Weitz navigates with excitement alongside his entrusted quartet: pianist Tal Cohen, bassist Ben Tiberio and drummer Michael Piolet. Some ten years ago, long before moving to New York from Miami, the four began playing together.

A luminous, star-studded roster of guest artists, including pianist Emmet Cohen, drummer Ari Hoenig, trumpeter Marcus Printup and guitarist Yotam Silberstein, seamlessly join this dance.

1. The Hive (5:31)
2. Nocturne in C Sharp Minor (6:24)
3. Rude Awakening (5:57)
4. Harlem Lullaby (6:15)
5. Odyssey (4:19)
6. Convent Court (6:15)
7. Rule of Thirds (6:24)
8. Love for Sale (7:28) 9. Sonata for Fred (4:43)

This scintillating, glowingly sentimental new recording opens on the impassioned fervency of The Hive and the deeply serene Nocturne in C Sharp Minor and then brings us the upbeat and ardently lusty Rude Awakening and the delicately ornate structure of my own personal favorite, Harlem Lullaby.

Along next is the animated Odyssey and the drum-tastic Convent Court and they are in turn backed by the foot-tapping delights of the titular Rule of Thirds, the album rounding out on the languishing magnificence, sprawling and veritably cinematic Love for Sale, coming to a close on the faintly murmured balladry within Sonata for Fred.

With Rule of Thirds, Weitz pours emotion and distinct personality into each note, further establishing his rich melodicism and superlative composing. A stunningly-crafted addition to the oeuvre of contemporary jazz, Rule of Thirds is an abundant new beginning for the comprehensive artist, one marked by wisdom, dynamic group synergy and playful interaction.

www.alexweitz.com