Joe Magnarelli - Decidedly So

A new recording by trumpeter-composer Joe Magnarelli is always a welcome occurrence. Magnarelli’s performances reflect the essence of modern jazz: warm, distinctive melodies in both compositions and improvisations; rich, expressive harmonies; and an alluring sense of swing. We are fortunate to hear musicians of Magnarelli’s caliber.

Joe’s enticing prowess did not develop overnight. He’s been a devoted musician for around 50 years, gifted with A-1 teachers like trumpeter Sal Amico and with a practice regimen that leads to exemplary renditions. He cites Charlie Parker, Blue Mitchell, Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane among his musical inspirations.
Decidedly So is Mags’, as his friends and associates call him, third release for Cory Weeds’ Cellar Live label, preceded by his 2018 album, If You Could See Me Now and his appearance with baritone saxophone great Gary Smulyan on the Tilden Webb trio’s Minor Conundrum

These are on top of the other fifteen albums that make up Mags’ personal discography, starting with 1995’s Why Not (Criss Cross).
Here on 2025’s Decidedly So, Joe features trombone dynamo Steve Davis in the frontline, backed by a snap-crackle rhythm section of pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Clovis Nicolas, and drummer Rodney Green. They investigate a solid, appealing mix of originals and standards with elan that makes for deeply enjoyable listening.

For those who might be new arrivals to the Joe Magnarelli fan club, if you will, here’s a brief bit of bio: Mags has been a stalwart on the U.S., and subsequently international, jazz scene since 1986, when he arrived in New York City from his native Syracuse, N.Y. He soon joined vibes master Lionel Hampton’s big band, and went on to play with such noted ensembles as Toshiko Akiyoshi’s Jazz Orchestra, the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and conga ace Ray Barretto’s sextet, as well as working steadily as a leader.

These days, Brooklyn-based Mags can be heard in New York most Mondays at the 11th Street Bar in Manhattan, and monthly at Ornithology in Brooklyn and Smalls in Greenwich Village. He also occasionally appears in Canada and regularly travels to Europe, where he can be heard at such rooms as Paris’ La Duc and The Sunside and Vienna’s Jazzland.