The seed of an idea for this recording project was planted in 2020, as gigs and touring came to a halt due to the pandemic. Taking advantage of long stretches of time at home, I kept myself musically stimulated with writing projects, one of which was composing jazz solos based on the changes of jazz standards, initially for the benefit of my adult students. The solos proved to be a fun and effective way to teach essential elements of the jazz style via zoom (swing feel, jazz articulation, idiomatic jazz rhythms, playing on changes, etc.)
When touring started up again in late 2021, I was excited to take the solos a step further, so I began weaving them into my arrangements for live performances, sometimes pairing them with the original standards. My rhythm sections seemed to enjoy the challenge of joining me on soli sections.
It kind of became “my thing”, so in 2025, I decided to record an album that would feature six of these solos (tracks 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10), along with a few gems written by three of my favorite contemporary Brazilian composers (6, 9, 11 ), one by Thad Jones (3) and one original (2).
While I’ve recorded a number of albums for well-known jazz labels such as Concord Records, Bob Thie/e’s Red Baron, DMP and Capri Records, I decided to go the indie route for this project. The Ali Ryerson Quartet is the second release on my ACR Music label (Con Brio! 2011).
And last, but certainly not least, my long-time collaboration and musical connection with pianist Larry Ham, bassist Lou Pappas and drummer Tom Melito, all veterans of the NY jazz scene, are what (and who) brought this project to life.
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“Her love and expertise at playing straight ahead jazz and Brazilian music is always a joy to hear.”
–Scott Yanow
“Playing alto and C flutes, Ryerson captures that palpably hip feel like few others, mixing sensuous and subtle bossas, finger popping boppers and sublime and mellow modals.”
–George Harris
“Ali Ryerson is one of the most exciting proponents of the instrument in jazz…. The Ali Ryerson Quartet showcases her masterful command of the instrument and signature sound.”
–Hrayr Attarian
