by Ken Laster
Entrance is the debut album from trumpeter John Hasselback III. The Hasselback family is a familiar name to the Hartford jazz scene. Following in the footsteps of both his parents, John Hasselback III also graduated the Hartt School of Music. John benefited from growing up in a musical family in upstate New York and then attended the U of H, Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz where he honed his trumpet skills and developed his own musical identity. The support from family and academics is evident on this excellent recording. Those of us in the Hartford area have witnessed the growth of this fine young trumpet player. Hartford jazz fans took notice of John’s skills when he won the Hartford Jazz Society’s Emerging Artist Showcase competition in 2018.
What strikes me most about this recording is the intelligent, mature compositions and arrangements. Eight of the nine tracks are original compositions, along with a beautiful rendition of the standard Body and Soul. Throughout this album, the influence of Miles/Hubbard/Dorham is clear in John’s writing and playing. His arrangements are lush and comforting. They give the sextet plenty of room to stretch out, and Hasselback is unselfish throughout, letting his sidemen contribute and elevate his compositions.
And what a superb ensemble John has chosen for his premier album. All of these players are familiar to the Hartford Jazz scene. Wayne Escoffery’s intensity on sax provides a perfect foil to John’s mellow tone. Steve Davis trombone brings his smooth and accurate voicing adding warmth to the music. The rhythm section of Taber Gable piano, Luques Curtis bass, Jonathan Barber drums lifts up the horn section and completes the vision that John Hasselback has created for his debut recording.
Entrance is an amazingly mature release for a debut album. All the musicians contribute at a high level to bring John Hasselback’s arrangements to life. I expect to see this young star rise in the jazz world in the years to come, and wish him great success. The album was released on his own Hasselcastle label on April 5, 2021 and can be purchased on Bandcamp.
