For The Love Of It All Brandon Woody

• 1 Never Gonna Run Away 06:51
• 2 Beyond The Reach Of Our Eyes 07:14
• 3 Wisdom; Terrace on St. Paul St. 06:50
• 4 Perseverance 07:36
• 5 We, Ota Benga 08:41
• 6 Real Love Pt. 1 07:36
• Total Runtime 44:48

Info for For The Love Of It All

Brandon Woody, a trumpeter/composer from Baltimore, makes his Blue Note debut! Woody began playing trumpet at the age of 7. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music with Ambrose Akinmusire (tp) and Stefon Harris (vibes), and since then has steadily built up his career, performing and writing music for films. His presence in the jazz scene is growing, as evidenced by the fact that he was featured in the New York Times last year.

The performance with the members who have toured together for many years is well-honed and the unifying dynamics are a must-hear.The melodic, familiar themes and an approach to improvisation that combines restraint and exuberance stirred the emotions of the audience, making this a work that has a unique appeal even within the recent jazz scene. All eyes will be on this long-awaited self-produced debut to see what kind of moves they will make in the future!

The jazz world can rejoice that Blue Note Records has recognized the extraordinary talent of trumpeter Brandon Woody. The young Baltimore-born and based jazz artist has been making waves in the jazz world and beyond in recent years. "Brandon is one of those rare artists who has both a vivid vision and the skills and knowledge to realize it," says Blue Note President Don Was. The versatile musician with a very individual sound despite his young age has assembled an outstanding band to record six rousing original compositions for his debut album. "For The Love Of It All" is his homage to the power of love.

Troy Long, piano, organ, Rhodes, keyboards
Quincy Phillips, drums
Michael Saunders,bass
Special Guests:
Imani Grace,vocals
Vittorio Stropoli, synthesizer

Brandon Woody
Trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and started his musical journey at the age of 7. Since then, Woody has gone on to become an international artist, performing with his band Upendo, curating projects for major museums, film scoring, collaborating with brands, teaching, and performing at major venues and institutions around the globe. Woody uses music as a tool for healing, genuine connection, and celebrating community.

After attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, Woody went on to study at the Brubeck Institute and Manhattan School of Music with the likes of Ambrose Akinmusire, Cecil Bridgewater, and Stefon Harris. Woody has since performed alongside artists such as Marc Cary, Casey Benjamin, Steve Wilson, Marcus Gilmore, Tarus Mateen, Tim Green, Theljon Allen, Sean Jones, Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Solange, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, Craig Alston, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Quincy Phillips, Benny Maupin, Plunky, Jon Faddis and Danilo Perez, who have all greatly influenced his artistry.

Woody formed his longtime band Upendo in 2017 while still in school as a vehicle to perform his own original compositions. A modern jazz juggernaut, Upendo is a multi-generational and expandable group that features a core quartet of pianist Troy Long, bassist Michael Saunders, and drummer Quincy Phillips.

Woody’s work has garnered the attention of international brands which has led to collaborations with Calvin Klein (One Future), Saucony, Vogue Italy, Nike, Reebok X Eames, Union Los Angeles, High Snobiety X Newport Jazz Festival, and Plain Jane. Woody had the opportunity of casting musicians and acting as a band leader in the Apple TV series Lady in the Lake.

In 2021, Woody became a Bach/Conn endorsed artist and was named the Musician to Watch by Baltimore Magazine in 2022. Woody’s other accolades include the 2021 Best Musician of the Year Award by the Baltimore Crown Awards and the 2020 Emerging Voice Award from the Festival of New Trumpet.

This album contains no booklet.