Debut Jazz Album Honors Mentorship
Bassist and composer Stephen Parisi Jr. released his debut album *Buddy!*, focused on themes of mentorship and musical community. The record features a quintet of rising jazz talents and aims to honor the legacies of jazz greats while forging new creative ground.
## STEPHEN PARISI JR. - BUDDY! The album, released on February 20, 2026, via Shifting Paradigm Records, serves as a series of musical portraits, with each composition dedicated to a person who has significantly influenced Parisi's life and career. The title track, "Buddy!," is a tribute to his father, Stephen Parisi Sr., a respected pianist and composer from Buffalo. The tune "Tro," which means "Faith" in Norwegian, is dedicated to his mother, honoring her heritage and unwavering support. *Buddy!* was produced by Parisi's long-time mentor, the Buffalo piano legend George Caldwell. Caldwell, a Grammy-winning pianist with a history playing in the Count Basie Orchestra, brings a wealth of experience to the project, shaping the album's cohesive and warm sound. Parisi's quintet is composed of fellow rising talents from the Chicago and Buffalo jazz scenes: guitarist Josh Achiron, pianist Nicholas Olynciw, drummer Kabir Dalawari, and saxophonist Jordan Lerner. The musical chemistry of the ensemble is a focal point of the album, with reviewers noting the conversational ease of their interplay. One critic from *Jazz Weekly* described the group as a "post-modern team" and highlighted pianist Nicholas Olynciw's playing on the track "Lascialo" as "tapping into his inner Herbie Hancock." The compositions move from the reflective and subtle harmonies of "Shikata Ga Nai" to more energetic, "bopping" pieces. Parisi, originally from Buffalo, New York, has established himself as an in-demand bassist in his hometown and his current base of Chicago. His career has seen him perform in a variety of settings, from straight-ahead jazz to big bands, including a tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He is also an active composer and arranger, having studied with notable figures like Tom Matta and Bill Dobbins. To celebrate the album's release, a CD release concert is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at PAUSA art house in Buffalo, New York. This performance will feature the full quintet from the album, offering a live interpretation of the record's deeply personal and collaborative music. While Parisi maintains an active touring schedule with other ensembles, further dates for the Stephen Parisi Jr. Quintet have not yet been announced. Parisi is also a dedicated educator, offering private lessons and clinics.
