Mike Casey Announces Ninth Album Release: “Valencia”

Los Angeles-based saxophonist and composer Mike Casey has announced his ninth album release, “Valencia,” set to drop on 23 September 2024. This album marks Casey’s ninth release in just eight years, solidifying his position as a prolific and versatile figure in the contemporary jazz scene. The announcement comes on the heels of Casey’s recent achievements, including his scoring debut for Netflix‘s “Spy Ops” TV show and being named one of the 16 artists in the GRAMMYs ‘Next’ Class of 2023. His music has been featured in Spotify’s “Best Jazz of 2020-22” and Amazon Music’s “Best Jazz of 2022 + 2023,” highlighting his growing influence and appeal across the globe.

Originally conceived as Casey’s master’s thesis while studying at Berklee College of Music‘s prestigious Valencia, Spain campus in 2019, “Valencia” is more than just another jazz album. The project was premiered live at Spain’s national concert hall, Auditori Nacional, and showcases a bold departure from Casey’s earlier work, which primarily oscillated between sax/bass/drums trio formats and electronic/hip-hop influences. Instead, “Valencia” takes listeners on a journey through a wide array of musical landscapes, blending diverse styles from around the world while retaining the spontaneity and edge of jazz.

The album is a testament to Casey’s ability to push the boundaries of genre and explore new artistic territories. Influenced by the otherworldly architecture of Valencia’s City of Arts & Sciences, where many of the songs were composed and recorded, “Valencia” reflects a profound engagement with a specific time and place. The album’s diverse musical influences range from rock and gospel to Latin rhythms, classical music, cinematic scores, and dancehall reggae, creating a rich tapestry of sound that transcends traditional genre labels.

Among the standout tracks on the album are the title track “Valencia,” which incorporates rock influences, “The Beauty of Everyday Life,” featuring a gospel-inspired piano solo, and “Universal Gratitude,” which blends Peruvian Landó rhythms with Brazilian-esque harmony. Other tracks, such as “Calle Pizarro” and “Ghazal,” showcase Casey’s ability to integrate global musical elements, including dancehall reggae and Indian phrasing concepts, into his compositions.

Casey’s ambitious approach to “Valencia” has already garnered significant attention and early support from major outlets. The album’s singles have been featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America and BBC Radio 6’s ‘New Music Fix,’ and have received airplay on national radio stations across Canada, Italy, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, and Malawi. The singles have also been included in various influential playlists, such as Spotify’s “State of Jazz,” Vevo’s New Music Friday, and Pandora’s “New Jazz Now.”

With over 50 million streams and a growing list of accolades, Mike Casey continues to push the boundaries of jazz while maintaining a deep connection to its roots. “Valencia” promises to be a defining work in his career—a genre-bending, multicultural experience that reflects his broad musical influences and his commitment to innovation. As Casey himself puts it, to call this album simply “jazz” would be limiting; it is a forward-thinking, multi-genre exploration that seeks to unify across geography and genre.

As Mike Casey prepares for the release of “Valencia,” he stands at the forefront of a new generation of jazz musicians who are redefining the genre for a global audience. His ability to blend diverse influences and create music that resonates with listeners worldwide is a testament to his talent, vision, and dedication to his craft. “Valencia” is not just an album; it is an invitation to experience the world through the lens of a truly original artist.