Illinois Jacquet, a titan of jazz, invites you into the sultry, moonlit world of "Misty Noir, Vol. 3 - Late Night Jazz." This 2025 release on Misty Noir is a compact yet potent collection of 11 tracks, each a masterclass in swing, jazz, hard bop, and bebop. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, it's a swift yet satisfying journey through the late-night sounds that Jacquet and his contemporaries made legendary.
From the smoky blues of "Blues Mood" to the playful "Goofin' Off," and the tender "Ladies Lullaby," Jacquet's saxophone sings, growls, and whispers its way through a range of moods. The album is a testament to his virtuosity, with tracks like "Don't Blame Me" and "You Left Me All Alone" showcasing his signature grit and grace. "Berry's Blues (Jacquet Blues)" is a nod to his own legacy, a track that's as much a celebration as it is a performance.
"Misty Noir, Vol. 3 - Late Night Jazz" is not just an album; it's a late-night rendezvous with one of jazz's finest. It's a chance to hear Jacquet's saxophone paint pictures of love, loss, and life in the wee hours. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album is a reminder of why Illinois Jacquet remains a giant in the world of jazz.