Alan Pasqua – New Hope (Blue Canoe Records, 2025)
A Steinway Artist, Grammy nominee, and Professor of Jazz Studies at USC’s Thornton School of Music, Pasqua presents New Hope. This shape-shifting, introspective and inventive set features masterfully performed original works and standards recorded in solo performance. “This is simply the music I wanted to make right now,” he shared.
The program includes originals such as the title track “New Hope,” “Contemplation,” “Agrodolce,” and “The Folks,” alongside interpretations of “There’s a Small Hotel,” “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” and “Star Crossed Lovers.”
Alan Pasqua has recorded sessions with Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Elton John. Pasqua also composed for film, co-wrote the CBS Evening News theme, and contributed improvisations for Dylan’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech.
The release follows acclaimed solo and trio recordings, including the Grammy-nominated Standards with Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, as well as Twin Bill, Northern Lights, and Day Dream.