John Hart - Checkmate (2021)

Except for occasional trips to the New York live scene and recording sessions, John Hart devotes his time in teaching younger generations as the head of the Jazz Guitar Department at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami.

The inspiration for the unusual instrumentation of this album (baritone sax, guitar, bass and drums) came from one of his classrooms where he tutors ensemble playing. He then, of course called his favourite baritone man Gary Smulyan to join the session.

'Checkmate', the third album by John Hart on SteepleChase was recorded a few weeks before the onset of the Corona virus pandemic. Now after a long dark year of lockdown we hope we can call "checkmate" on the virus.

"Hart's beautifully shaded melodies and detailed and balanced intermezzi of concise and fast cadenzas signify his matured musicianship" - Francois van de Linde, Jazz Journal on 'Act Three' (SCCD31885)