VIA PRESS RELEASE | For seven decades, Verve Records has been home to some of the most important artists and recordings in jazz. Always Hip: Verve at 70 brings the label’s year-long 70th anniversary celebration to a close with a new collection that looks back at that extraordinary musical heritage while carrying it forward through a multigenerational cast of musicians. Set for release digitally as well as LP and CD on November 20th, pre-order the album here.
The first single, “Always,” features Jeremy Pelt, Monty Alexander, Ron Carter, and Steve Jordan performing the Irving Berlin composition. Produced by acclaimed drummer and producer Steve Jordan, who also performs throughout the album, Always Hip: Verve at 70 features jazz mainstays including Buster Williams, Jabali Billy Hart, Ron Carter, Monty Alexander, Rufus Reid, and Lenny White. A Grammy Award-winning producer and musician, Jordan’s extensive career has included collaborations with artists including Keith Richards, John Mayer, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and Neil Young.
Across the album, the musicians revisit compositions originally recorded on Verve by giants including Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Willie Bobo, and Cal Tjader. Rather than simply looking back, Always Hip: Verve at 70 reimagines this music through the voices of the artists assembled for the project, underscoring a musical heritage that remains adventurous, sophisticated and alive.
“Sometimes you want to hear a certain sound,” says Steve about the project. “One that makes you feel good. One that makes you reflect. One that makes you move. Always Hip does all of that.” Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio, the album is both tribute and continuation. A celebration of the artists, songs and spirit that made Verve the historic label that it is today, while marking the culmination of its year-long 70th anniversary celebration.
