NYC Gazette

Two jazz musicians and Juilliard alumni, drummer Zach Adleman and singer Ekep Nkwelle, have shared insights into their experiences recording albums. Adleman's album "We Make: Stories for a New Day" was released in October under Cellar Music and is available for streaming or purchase on his website. Nkwelle is still working on her project but provided a general overview of the process.

Nkwelle collaborated with several Juilliard jazz alumni, including drummer Julius Rodriguez, bassist Russell Hall, and tenor saxophonist Abdias Armenteros. She has known Hall and Armenteros for about three years, forming strong musical chemistry with them. This past June marked her first collaboration with Rodriguez, whom she described as "a genius."

Adleman's project featured contributions from Sarah Hanahan on alto saxophone and former faculty member Steve Wilson. Faculty member Isaiah Thompson produced the album while Michael Dease wrote the liner notes. Adleman recounted meeting Thompson in high school and connecting with Hanahan during a Juilliard combo rehearsal.

Discussing the origins of his project, Adleman explained that many songs were inspired by personal stories and visions developed during adulthood, particularly influenced by the pandemic. The album includes tracks like “We Make” and “It Always Rains in Michigan,” which reflect on life's challenges while celebrating artistic collaboration.

Nkwelle's journey began after graduation when she recorded music supported partly by a Juilliard Career Advancement Grant before touring worldwide for about a year. Changes in her arrangements between 2023 and 2024 prompted her to capture this new sound through recording.

Both artists discussed familiar elements of recording such as assembling bands and composing music while highlighting less familiar aspects like selecting labels or studios. Adleman noted that he found success recording at Samurai Studios due to recommendations from friends.

The lessons learned from recording included flexibility for Nkwelle, who emphasized its importance given the unpredictable nature of sessions. Adleman highlighted sharing enthusiasm with his team as crucial to maintaining organization across various roles involved in production.

Reflecting on their experiences, both musicians expressed gratitude towards those who guided them throughout the process. While Adleman eagerly anticipates returning to the studio despite financial costs associated with projects like these; Nkwelle remains excited about upcoming developments related to her work yet unrevealed publicly but promises it will be worth waiting for its release soon enough!