Bassist and composer Junius Paul has been making a name for himself over the last decade both in Chicago with his jam sessions at the now-shuttered Velvet Lounge, and internationally with his collaborative work with drummer and beat-maker Makaya McCraven. As usual, Chi-town’s International Anthem Recordings continues to have their finger on the pulse, and have just released Paul’s debut album, titled Ism.

With the album’s foundation is heavily based in Paul’s musical upbringing performing at his neighborhood church, and playing in Sunday night jam sessions at The Velvet Lounge alongside members of the now legendary AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), Ism is a wildly-adventurous and forward-thinking album that is utterly unique while still paying homage to Chicago’s experimental jazz roots.

The 17-track recording, which was recorded over three years, touches upon a wide-range of influences, from avant-free jazz on tracks like “You Are Free to Choose” and “Collant Denier,” to the hard bop “Spocky Chainsey Has Re-Emerged,” and hip-hop influenced jazz-funk groover “Baker’s Dozen,” Ism is able to capture the spirit of Chicago’s signature jazz, funk, and soul scenes. The bassist also pays tribute on the album to the late great saxophonist Fred Anderson, who was the owner of The Velvet and one of the co-founders of the AACM.

Overall, this is a brilliant debut from one of jazz’s most innovative rising artists, a recording that has so much to offer musically that you might find yourself listening to it on repeat … at least at BeatCaffeine, that’s what’s happening.

Junius Paul — ‘Ism’
(International Anthem Recordings)

1. You Are Free To Choose
2. Bowl Hit
3. View From The Moon
4. Baker’s Dozen
5. Asé
6. The One Who Endures
7. Spocky Chainsey Has Re-Emerged
8. Georgia
9. Twelve Eighteen West
10. Collant Denier
11. Paris
12. Tune No. 6
13. Sprouts
14. Fred Anderson and a Half
15. Ma and Dad
16. Two Minute Warning
17. Outro

BUY RECORD

• Jazz