*2026 stock* Following his recent debut on Songs with Inventions (SONGS002CD), Russ Lossing continues his creative journey with Proximity Alert, a compelling new trio recording. This album exemplifies Lossing’s mastery of spontaneous improvisation within the classic piano-bass-drum format, inviting listeners into a space of sonic exploration and emotional connection. Lossing has long championed the trio for its virtues: spaciousness, flexibility, sonic clarity, and the interplay of three minds. His first album, Dreamer (2000), with Paul Motian and Ed Schuller, set this approach in motion. Over two decades, he maintained a steady trio with Masa Kamaguchi and Billy Mintz—yet Proximity Alert features a different ensemble: bassist Mark Helias and drummer Eric McPherson.
“Everyone brings something different,” Lossing explains. “I’m always seeking new combinations to spark spontaneity.” The session was recorded without rehearsal—highlighting the importance of quick absorption and immediate response among skilled improvisers. The result is music that’s intricate yet spontaneous, full of subtlety and emotion. The opening track, “Incommunicado,” demonstrates Lossing’s current approach—a bold ascent that evolves through repeated iterations before giving way to space for interaction. McPherson’s nuanced cymbal work creates an open landscape for Helias’ bowed bass lines and Lossing’s expressive piano. The music is full of event but unfussy in execution—a collective focus on listening and responding.
Throughout Proximity Alert, Lossing’s compositions serve as frameworks rather than rigid structures, allowing each musician’s voice to emerge naturally. Whether conveying visceral thrills or understated empathy—as in Helias’ shifting roles on “Lamento”— the album invites listeners to get close and fully engage with its emotional depth.
Lossing remains a towering figure in contemporary jazz—a pianist, composer, and improviser whose innovative spirit has shaped over three decades of musical exploration. With more than 400 original compositions across 26 albums as leader and collaborations with jazz luminaries like Paul Motian, John Abercrombie, Dave Liebman, Tim Berne, Tyshawn Sorey, and others, Lossing continues to inspire audiences worldwide. His performances at legendary venues such as The Village Vanguard, Blue Note NYC, Jazz Standard, and international festivals across Europe have cemented his reputation as a fearless innovator committed to authentic expression. Proximity Alert exemplifies his ongoing quest for emotional truth through spontaneous music—an invitation to listen deeply and get close.
