The New York City jazz world is an ecosystem involving musicians, venues, programs, enthusiasts, and much more. There are multiple “ways in” to this scene, but for a jazz artist new to the city, it is very intimidating.

Nevertheless, there are many available paths, and sometimes all that an aspiring musician needs is a “wayfinder”. Over the past few decades, James Zollar has been a wayfinder to many jazz artists looking to break into the New York City scene.

When I meet jazz artists in New York City, and let them know I am James’ older brother, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard them share glowing stories about James’ generous efforts to help them find their way into the New York City jazz ecosystem.

Just mention his name in any of the jazz circles around New York, and you will likely hear stories that speak to his giving soul and strong musicianship.

With the encouragement of his family, especially his beautiful wife, Nabuko Kiryu (an accomplished jazz singer, composer and arranger in her own right), who is also featured on this recording, James has stepped out front on this project titled, “The Ways In” (out now via Docmo Music).

1. The Fruit - Dedicated to Barry Harris
2. Peace / Blue Silver - Dedicated to Al Zollar
3. Reflectory
4. The Single Pedal of A Rose - Dedicated to Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ
5. Jim Jim
6. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me - Dedicated to Cootie Williams
7. Swing Spring
8. Pat - Dedicated to Pat Zollar
9. Down Town Up
10. Checkered Hat
11. Epilogue Dedicated to Mercer Ellington

This magnificent sculptor of sounds opens his new recording with the upbeat and melodious The Fruit and the more forthrightly delivered Peace / Blue Silver and then follows them up with the veritably cinematic stance within Reflectory, and then we get the lush Ellington cut The Single Petal Of The Rose in its orchestral form (lovingly dedicated to Queen Elizabeth ), and the playfully perky Jim Jim.

On an album where the music emanates an intellectual and poetic approach throughout, next up is the impassioned Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me and then comes the percussion-bedded Swing Spring and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the luxuriant Pat (itself dedicated to his wife Pat Zollar), the generously vibrant Down Town Up, the album rounding out on the opulent Checkered Hat, closing on the beautiful Epilogue.

James Zollar - Down Town Up (Official Music Video)