On February 2, 2023, pianist Jon Cowherd led the Mercy Project at the Village Vanguard, marking his first headlining residency at this iconic venue. The ensemble featured saxophonist Chris Potter, guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade. This performance was particularly significant as it showcased compositions from Cowherd's latest album, Pride & Joy, released earlier that year. The album reunites Cowherd with Patitucci and Blade, his longtime collaborators from the Brian Blade Fellowship, and includes guest appearances by Potter and percussionist Alex Acuña. (joncowherd.com)
The set opened with "The Colorado Experiment," a piece inspired by Cowherd's recent relocation to Colorado. This composition reflects his evolving musical journey and the influence of his new environment. (wbgo.org) The performance was well-received, with the ensemble's cohesive interplay and Cowherd's expressive compositions resonating with the audience.
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