GENRE; JAZZ
LABEL; Leaving
RATING; 4/5
Aaron Shaw’s debut album And So It Is emerges as one of the most compelling jazz releases of early 2026, blending deep emotional introspection with adventurous musical exploration. Released on Leaving Records on February 13, the record marks a powerful first full-length statement from the Los Angeles saxophonist and flautist, backed by an impressive group of collaborators including Carlos Niño and longtime scene figures from the West Coast jazz community.
The album’s genesis is as striking as its sound: Shaw composed much of the material following a serious bone-marrow failure diagnosis that threatened his ability to play wind instruments. Rather than retreat, he leaned into his artistic voice, turning vulnerability into a creative force that shapes every track.
Musically, And So It Is strikes a balance between introspection and expansive jazz expression. The opener, “Soul Journey,” sets the tone with its contemplative mood that sways between meditative calm and rhythmic drive, while “Heart of a Phoenix” stands out as a nine-minute odyssey that captures both tension and release with fiery sax lines and a dynamic rhythmic foundation.
Across eight tracks, Shaw toggles between reflective flute passages and richer, warm tenor sax explorations. Pieces like “Windows to the Soul” and “Echoes of the Heart” reveal a nuanced lyrical sensibility that’s both intimate and cinematic, whereas livelier moments such as “Jubilant Voyage” bring a brighter, hopeful energy.
The production, co-steered by Niño, enhances the album’s organic feel, giving space for each musician’s contribution to breathe and resonate. Overall, And So It Is is a mature, affecting debut — a record that speaks to resilience, community, and jazz’s enduring capacity to articulate the ineffable.
