GoldBloom releases brand new album

Brooklyn-based alternative jazz trio GoldBloom, originally hailing from Texas, have earned a reputation for their magnetic performance and incredible musicianship over the last five years. Formed by saxophonist Blake Opper, drummer Grant Martin and bassist Steve Williams while attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, the trio combines the energy of rock with the technical approach of jazz.

Since starting out, GoldBloom has been going from strength to strength, winning over both casual listeners and jazz aficionados with their original sound. The group first started making an impact in 2019 with live performances across New York City, where their energetic and exciting shows quickly earned them a loyal following.

Last year they captured their sound in the studio and shared their musical vision with the wider world for the first time on their debut single “Peaked in High School,” before going on to drop their debut full-length record with an album of the same name. Now they bring us their latest release with their brand new sophomore LP titled For Money And Power, a ten-track release that sees the trio incorporate a range of different influences from country music to the iconic jazz sounds of Charles Mingus.

Opened by “Redneck,” bright sax pips are met with the taps of drum sticks and soft pulse of bass guitar to form layers of competing rhythmic lines before the track tumbles into a smooth jam. Developing with elegant sax sweeps, snapping drums and dynamic bass work as the composition builds to a flurry of splashing percussive patterns and blistering sax leads in a stellar display of GoldBloom’s astonishing instrumental flair.

The marching bass groove of “Ways and Wheels” follows as hushed saxophone touches and the steady thud of kick combine before the sax gently takes flight. Showcasing the more restrained and downtempo side of their musical output, the track then rises with dancing sax lines before erupting into a blast of lively drums and rapid lead runs before floating back down to the soft rhythmic aesthetic of the intro.

“Ketchup Man” presents a laid back vibe of bass lines and silky sax leads as the gentle patter of delicate drum shots carries a mellow rhythm. Full of dazzling dashes of lead saxophone that soar above the playful groove, it’s a superb jam that filters their sound through an upbeat lens.

Other highlights on record include songs like “Orange Defender” with its rustling brushed drums, plodding bass lines and soulful melodic ideas presented via epic ebb and flow of shifting energy and moods. “Another Knight” takes an uptempo blend of shuffling drums and airy bass flutters and extraordinary sax performance to deliver a thrilling modern jazz ride that swells with spots of intensity paired with moments of graceful and charming style.

Closing the album with “Still Kansas,” GoldBloom offers one final outing of their innovative jazz sound on a track that gradually builds from the tender sonic whispers to an increasingly energetic burst of musical vigour before returning to the delightful sounds of swaying rhythm and soft lead notes. From start to finish, GoldBloom delivers a truly impressive run through of modern instrumental jazz music via their sensational talents as composers and performers.

Listen to For Money And Power below