Boston-based saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his surprising compositional preferences, his challenging education under Dave Liebman, and why his latest album, ‘Ballads,' might be his most accessible work yet.
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The Spotlight shines On renowned saxophonist Noah Preminger.
Boston-based saxophonist Noah Preminger has spent years pushing jazz into new territories before focusing on one of the art form's most enduring traditions. He’s just released Ballads, a collection that finds this restless musical explorer settling into the quiet power of beautiful melodies.
Noah's built his reputation on bold musical choices—from stark Delta blues interpretations to intricate duo sessions with bassist Kim Cass. But with this new record, he's aiming for something different—capturing that feeling when a saxophonist plays "as if it's their last day on earth," as he puts it.
Recorded with pristine clarity for the new Chill Tone label, Ballads features Noah alongside pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Allan Mednard, creating music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Noah Preminger’s album Ballads)
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00:01:36 - Discussion of important drummers in Noah's career
00:02:39 - Noah's experience studying with Dave Liebman
00:07:50 - Reflections on post-Coltrane saxophone players
00:09:58 - Noah's thoughts on year-end music lists and critic recommendations
00:15:17 - Noah's favorite recent jazz albums and recommendations
00:19:02 - Exploring musical territories and passion projects
00:21:22 - Creating music with bassist Kim Cass during the pandemic
00:23:22 - The story behind Noah's latest ballads album
00:28:04 - Discussing the meaning behind song titles and political themes
00:31:37 - Noah's approach to composition and using emotional prompts
00:35:54 - Debates about original compositions versus standards
00:40:15 - The importance of recorded music in jazz history
00:44:09 - Noah's practice of recording and reviewing all performances
00:46:36 - Reflections on saxophone versus piano as creative instruments
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Visit Noah Preminger at https://www.noahpreminger.com
Purchase Noah Preminger’s Ballads from Bandcamp → https://chilltonerecords.bandcamp.com/album/ballads
or Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/ballads-noah-preminger/y4mot69z2g17b
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://album.link/i/1792969247
Follow Noah Preminger on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/noah.preminger
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/noah_preminger
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTXues2F8qllL9LD8Y5Ai0w
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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