Mark Godfrey - Square Peg (2020)

The minivan: a timeless icon that evokes memories ranging from little-league baseball games to nation-wide music tours. Square Peg is bassist and composer Mark Godfrey’s first full-length album, and it hits harder than the sliding door on your family caravan.

Named the 2019 Emerging Jazz Artist by the Toronto Arts Foundation, Mark has firmly secured himself in the fabric of the jazz idiom in Canada. Square Peg is Mark’s sophomore release as a leader and joining him on this album are four of his longtime collaborators and the members of his quintet: Allison Au on alto saxophone, Matt Woroshyl on tenor saxophone, Chris Pruden on piano, and Nick Fraser on drums.

Square Peg is made up of a collection of compositions that span four years of Mark’s life during which he found himself living in Toronto and New York. Naturally, the most efficient form of travel between these two cities with a double bass was his 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, Jean Claude Van Tan. The reflection that occurred on these drives sparked creativity and ideas for Mark that ultimately resulted in this album. The music on Square Peg connects Mark to his family and friends, both cities, and the deep tradition of jazz performance that informs and inspires his voice as an artist.

From the ethereal and ambient opening of Black Stars to the raw, acoustic, solo performance of Bucket List, Square Peg takes the listener on a joyride that is turbulent and relaxing, and engaging from start to finish. Buckle up.

Mark Godfrey - Double Bass
Allison Au - Alto Sax
Matt Woroshyl - Tenor Sax
Chris Pruden - Piano
Nick Fraser - Drums