Rahsaan Barber’s “Six Words”: A New Suite Celebrating the Transformative Power of Jazz

Saxophonist Rahsaan Barber is set to rejuvenate the jazz scene with his upcoming album “Six Words,” scheduled for release on September 6 through Jazz Music City Records. This groundbreaking work marks Barber’s first-ever suite and reflects a profound evolution in his musical journey. Inspired by a transformative conversation with Wynton Marsalis, who highlighted the inherent power in music, Barber has crafted an eight-part suite that delves into music’s ability to inspire, heal, and express a full spectrum of human emotions. This project symbolizes Barber’s renewed creative energy and ambition, capturing the essence of jazz as a vehicle for deep, emotional expression.

The album is performed by Barber’s reimagined band, Everyday Magic, which he founded with the support of a grant from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he serves as an assistant professor. “Six Words” not only showcases Barber’s compositional prowess but also reaffirms his commitment to the genre, blending innovation with tradition. As Barber leads his sextet through this ambitious suite, he invites listeners to experience jazz in its most profound and evocative form, promising a compelling exploration of music’s transformative power.