About
Joshua Redman's new Blue Note album Words Fall Short follows his acclaimed Where Are We, marking a natural evolution in his artistry rather than a departure. While the previous album featured a vocalist, this latest work is centered around new, previously unheard compositions developed during the pandemic and brought to life by a fresh, younger quartet. Redman assembled pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris, and drummer Nazir Ebo—musicians he describes as exceptionally talented, intuitive, and collaborative. The group cultivated a unique chemistry over a year of performances, leading Redman to realize they were ready to record.
Guest appearances by saxophonist Melissa Aldana, trumpeter Skylar Tang, and vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa add depth to select tracks, highlighting Redman's commitment to expressive, conversational playing rather than competitive soloing. Lyrical inspirations and literary references, including works by Cormac McCarthy and Yiyun Li, inform several titles and themes. The album’s name comes from Li’s Where Reasons End, echoing Redman’s belief in the emotional resonance of music and language—even when they fall short. At its core, Words Fall Short is a reflection on human imperfection, creativity, and connection, embracing the ineffable beauty found in spontaneous collaboration and the shared, flawed experience of being human.