...a full-bodied jazz experience that demands repeated indulgence, much like a lavish multi-course meal that reveals new flavors with each visit...ceaseless creativity from each player, expressing a unified pulse.
Four years into their weekly residency at Milwaukee's historic Mason Street Grill, trumpeter Eric Jacobson, pianist Pamela York, and bassist Clay Schaub have developed a dynamic, yet natural and graceful group aesthetic. Masters of sound, touch and feel, the drumless trio format allows the gorgeous sounds heard on this set of six classics and three originals to be heard with clarity, their swinging connection keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Sophisticated and absorbing, New Outlook promises to be a collection that listeners will return to often.
"...Jacobson's buttery tone speaks and haunts...Like Roy Hargrove and Tom Harrell..." All About Jazz
"...like Lester Young and Bill Evans, Pamela York plays each melody with a singer's grace and vibrancy." L.A. Jazz Scene
Track Listing:
1 Onward 4:39
2 On the Sunny Side of the Street 6:18
3 New Outlook 5:38
4 Bittersweet 6:04
5 Hymn to Freedom/A Child Is Born 5:01
6 To Wisdom, The Prize 6:03
7 Lover 3:08
8 Shadow Catcher 6:38
9 Una Mas 4:01
Music by:
(1) Jacobson; (2) McHugh/Fields (arr. York); (3) York;
(4) S. Jones; (5) O. Peterson/T. Jones/R. Hanna/A. Wilder;
(6) L. Willis; (7) Rodgers/Hart (arr. York); (8) Schaub;
(9) K. Dorham
Performers:
Eric Jacobson - trumpet
Pamela York - piano
Clay Schaub - bass
Production Info:
Produced by Eric Jacobson, Pamela York, & Clay Schaub
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Vijay Tellis-Nayak
at Transient Sound, Chicago, Illinois
Recorded on November 19, 2024 & May 5, 2025
Liner notes by Brian Lynch
Trio photograph by Ryan Bennet
Cover painting by Laurin Rinder
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of New Outlook
Paris Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
5-STARS Eric Jacobson's "New Outlook": A Trumpeter's Dialogue Between Past and Present.
When the playing of a trumpeter truly speaks, it awakens an instinct. For me, that means stopping the record at hand and reaching for the early Miles Davis albums, a private ritual that has nothing ceremonial about it, but everything to do with necessity. It ...
Making A Scene (Dee Dee McNeil)
The Affinity Trio has spent four years in weekly residency at Milwaukee's historic Mason Street Grill. The trio is made up of three dynamic Midwest jazz players including Eric Jacobson on trumpet, Pamela York on piano, and Clay Schaub on bass. They fit together deliciously, smooth as fresh baked bread and butter. One thing that impressed me right ...
Bman's Blues Report (Bman)
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, New Outlook, from Affinity Trio and it's really cool. Opening with Onward, a solid bop Eric Jacobson on trumpet carves a strong melody. Joined by Pamela York on piano who not only holds a firm rhythm but plays strong, inciteful phrasing, together with Clay Schaub on bass makes for a perf ...
