A Studio Gathering at Its Peak
Lovano assembled a hand-picked ensemble to capture something he couldn't with his regular band.
From the Soul stands apart in Joe Lovano's catalog because it was built differently from the start. Rather than document his working group in the studio, Lovano gathered a collection of musicians for this session, and the results rank among his finest work. Rolling Stone gave it four out of five stars, and the album has aged well—it still sounds like a musician at the height of his powers, playing exactly what he wanted to play.
What makes this particular record memorable is the specificity of the gathering. The session marked Lovano's only recording encounter with pianist Michel Petrucciani, and it also became one of the final studio dates for drummer Ed Blackwell. Those facts alone would make it historically interesting, but what matters more is what actually happens in the music. The saxophonist sounds focused and engaged, and the interplay between these musicians creates something that feels both purposeful and intimate. This isn't a blowing session or a jam date—the album has real direction.
If you're already familiar with Lovano's work, this is the record to hear if you want to understand his taste in musicians and his conception of small-group jazz. It's not an easy entry point for newcomers—you'd be better served starting with one of his more recent Blue Note albums—but for anyone invested in his career, it's essential listening. The circumstances of its recording, the quality of the playing, and the strength of the material make it clear why this album has remained in the conversation.
Who's playing
Where next?
More by Joe Lovano
All 45 albums →
The musicians on this record
Ones All 1993
Dave Holland
plays bass here
plays bass here
Playground 1991
Michel Petrucciani
plays piano here
plays piano here
♫
Tune In 1969
Ed Blackwell
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
