Sharel Cassity, Gratitude Review

Magnetism and Momentum: Sharel Cassity’s Gratitude

By Nolan DeBuke

Gratitude, the latest album by saxophonist Sharel Cassity, released on March 28, 2025, under Sunnyside Records, is the next step in Cassity’s remarkable career. Cassity brings together an all-star ensemble of Christian McBride on bass, Lewis Nash on drums, Cyrus Chestnut on piano, and special guest Terell Stafford on trumpet, and Michael Dease on trombone. The ensemble explores the fertile ground of eight selections; each performance is steeped in tradition and imbued with today’s jazz vitality.

Cassity’s multifaceted talent as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has been shaped a résumé that includes performances alongside Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Williams, and Roy Hargrove. Her recordings as a leader have earned praise from major publications, and she’s graced the cover of jazz magazines. Gratitude, thematically anchored in joy, hope, and celebration, arrives to reveal a musician in full command of her voice and vision.

The album opens with “Magnetism,” a memorable melody built around the swing of Nash and McBride. Cassity’s alto saxophone launches into this with assurance, her solo marked by a push-pull dynamic that rides atop Nash’s swinging drums and McBride’s walking bass. Her phrasing is a dialogue with the pulse, creating a feel that’s rhythmically playful and emotionally potent. The follow-up, “Smile,” offers a warm reimagining of the Charlie Chaplin classic. It begins with a duet between saxophone and bass. Cassity’s solo focuses on lyricism through a more expansive harmonic vocabulary as each section of the composition is explored.

“Stick Up!” brings a lively swing with a bebop-inspired motif. Hearing an ensemble like this one explore rhythm changes is always a treat. Cassity’s solo is structured with approaches to chord tones and communicative articulation. The rhythmic fluency of the piano, bass, and drums feel is delightful. Nash performs an outstanding scat solo. The title track, “Gratitude” is a flowing waltz. Cassity has a soulful approach to the post-bop harmonic movements. Chestnut and McBride offer outstanding spotlight moments.

“Suspect” has a contemporary gospel meets contemporary jazz groove. Stafford and Dease augment the ensemble to form a three-horn frontline. Cassity’s solo captures the rhythmic spirit of the ensemble and expresses it through her horn with catchy melodies. Her accents and expressions being the secret sauce. With “Kenny’s Quest,” Cassity pays tribute to Kenny Garrett through her approach to the music with a blend of bite and warmth, while phrasing with motivic development. Her rhythmic elasticity builds her runs into arcing phrases. Structurally her melodies are driven by a building energy towards a euphoric climax.

“The Promise” changes timbral gears as Cassity switches to clarinet, delivering a melody written for her young son. The clarinet’s woody tone is yet another angle to hear Cassity’s musical mind at work. That energy continues in full-on “In The Spirit,” a gospel-jazz closing statement that has a post-bop progression and phrasing. The ensemble’s collective feel is nothing short of outstanding.

In sum, Gratitude is a musically rich offering. Sharel Cassity is creative in her ability to shape a sound that feels boppish and contemporary, it is a record that rewards deep listening.