Survival of the Fittest

Jordan VanHemert's Survival of the Fittest is a compelling post-bop statement that channels personal adversity into musical resilience. Joined by an elite ensemble with Terell Stafford on trumpet, Michael Dease on trombone, Helen Sung on piano, Rodney Whitaker on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums, the production crafts a sonic narrative shaped by the lead's experiences as a Korean American artist navigating cultural and personal challenges. VanHemert's compositions comprise the bulk of the set, spotlighting his voice as a saxophonist and storyteller. Dease's production provides a strong foundation for the ensemble's interplay, resulting in a deeply expressive and thoughtfully constructed album that resonates right to the final note.