Abe Mamet, a rising force in the jazz scenes of Denver, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City, has announced his sophomore album, Levitate the Heavy Part, set for release on March 7, 2025, via LMB Records. Known for his dynamic approach to the French horn and his ability to weave the instrument seamlessly into the fabric of jazz and creative music, Mamet follows up his 2021 debut with a bold, exploratory new work that highlights his growth as both an instrumentalist and composer.
Featuring an ensemble of some of the most forward-thinking musicians from the mid-Atlantic jazz community, the album includes Alex Hamburger (flute), Jamie Sandel (violin), Jason Torres (sousaphone), Keith Butler, Jr. (drums), Sarah Hughes (alto saxophone, clarinet), and Will Tober (bass). Together, this group crafts a rich sonic landscape that balances groove, improvisation, and intricate harmonic interplay.
Levitate the Heavy Part consists of four original compositions, ranging from hypnotic rhythmic explorations to deeply introspective improvisations. Recorded live in front of a 70-person audience at Tonal Park in Takoma Park, Maryland, the album captures the organic interplay between musicians and listeners, incorporating the audience’s energy into the performance itself.
Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences—including ceramic arts, diasporic Jewish music, the Colorado mountains, and the works of Jaimie Branch, Ron Miles, Joe Bonner, Don Cherry, and vintage gospel recordings—the album unfolds with the natural cadence of a two-sided LP. The A-side bookends itself with two groove-driven pieces: “October 27, 2016 (flyfreeflyfreeflyfreeflyfree)” and “Hot Chocolate,” both of which blend immersive rhythms with spirited improvisation. Sandwiched between them, “Twirling” offers a vibrant exploration of tonal textures and instrumental possibility.
The album’s centerpiece, “A Walk With Daniel,” spans the entire B-side, an 18-minute opus that reimagines improvisational moments shared between Mamet and his mentor, saxophonist Daniel Carter. The piece transitions seamlessly between structured composition and free-flowing abstraction, culminating in a stunning trio passage between the bass, violin, and flute.
The album’s lead single, “Hot Chocolate,” will be released on streaming platforms on January 31, 2025. Levitate the Heavy Part will be available on all major platforms on March 7, with a deluxe digital version featuring two bonus tracks exclusively on Bandcamp. Limited vinyl and CD editions will also be available.
ABOUT ABE MAMET
Since releasing his debut, The Abe Mamet Trio (2021), Mamet has continued to carve out a distinctive place in modern jazz, earning praise for his “masterful use of space and pacing” (The Washington Post). His adventurous spirit has led to collaborations with artists such as Daniel Carter, William Parker, Brad Linde, Sarah Brightman, and Matt Lavelle. In addition to releasing two experimental tapes—The Thing We Fought For (2023, LMB Records) and Spa Day (2024, Shiny Boy Press)—Mamet has been recognized as an artist to watch by DCist and participated in 577 Records’ “Sounds of Freedom” residency in 2023. His latest album was made possible in part by a Community Grant from the Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Mamet has been based in Washington, D.C., since 2017. A graduate of Denver’s esteemed East High jazz program, which also produced luminaries such as Bill Frisell, Ron Miles, and Philip Bailey, Mamet studied political science and history at Colorado College while privately honing his jazz skills under modern horn master John Clark.
For more information, visit abrammamet.com.
TRACKLISTING:
October 27, 2016 (flyfreeflyfreeflyfreeflyfree) (8:20)
Twirling (6:47)
Hot Chocolate (3:24)
A Walk With Daniel (18:24)
