For those of you not in the know, the Madison-based jazz ensemble Mr. Chair have brought out a new album, their first since 2019, entitled Better Days.

The music on Better Days ranges from toying with fusion, prog rock, jazz, and classical elements, but never settles into a singular musical style.

Most of the pieces on the album were composed during 2020 and 2021, and while Better Days is not a so-called pandemic album, it does channel grief and loss.

The group has expanded to include Chicago-based guitarist Jos� Guzm�n, and the album features special appearances from poet/spoken word artist Buzz Kemper, and saxophonist Eddie Barbash.

Indeed, Barbash is well known as a member of Jon Batiste�s Stay Human, his performances on the Late Show with Steven Colbert, and for his work with Cory Wong and the Wong Notes.

1. March
2. Fuchsia (feat. Buzz Kemper)
3. Better Days
4. Elegy (feat. Eddie Barbash)
5. Abandoned Cities
6. Appellation Spring
7. Britten�s Written Rhythm
8. Fuchsia (feat. Eddie Barbash)
9. Uncanny Valley

Opening on the ornate gossamer of March and the gentle infectious melodies within Fuchsia (featuring Buzz Kemper), along next is the more sternly captivating Better Days, and then we are treated to simply divine, heartfelt and emotive Elegy (featuring Eddie Barbash).

Along next is the dulcet stillness found within Abandoned Cities and that is in turn followed by the atmospherically-charged, veritably sinewy Appellation Spring, the organic Britten�s Written Rhythm, the recording rounding out on the quietly perky, yet masterfully cultured rendition of the aforementioned Fuchsia (this time featuring Eddie Barbash), coming to a close on the sheer, free flowing elegance of Uncanny Valley.

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