Peter Daniel, long recognized for his saxophone work alongside Lauryn Hill, Father John Misty, and ODESZA, takes full command with Quartets, his debut solo album. Recorded with a rotating lineup of Seattle’s top jazz and funk musicians, the ten-track release isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of friendship, rhythm, and creative freedom.
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From the moment “Take A Little Chance” begins, the energy feels personal and immediate. It opens the album with a sense of urgency. Riding a bold saxophone lead and tight rhythm section that sets the tone. Then, “Desperate Waltz” steps in with a slower, more emotional turn. Its moody piano and laid-back tempo speak to longing—perhaps even regret. That emotional complexity continues in “I Won’t Live Forever,” a track that carries weight. Not just in title but in tone.
“Come Back Together,” the lead single, is the record’s heartbeat. Gospel-infused, rhythm-forward, and driven by Daniel’s expressive horn, it radiates both joy and reflection. It’s a powerful anthem that repeats as a shorter, more contemplative “Reprise” later on, showing its emotional range. Meanwhile, “Cliff’s Notes vol 3” and “Pedro Azul” add variety. One with playful licks, the other with a deeper, Latin groove feel.
CHECK OUT THE ALBUM LIST
- Take A Little Chance
- Desperate Waltz
- Grant. Me. This.
- Come Back Together
- Cliff’s Notes vol 3
- Pedro Azul
- Ace High
- I Won’t Live Forever
- Come Back Together (Reprise)
- So Exciting
The album’s format—built around different quartets—is more than a structural choice. It gives each track a distinct personality. Marina Albero’s Rhodes sparkles across the tracks, while the drummers—Cliff Porter Jr., Heather Thomas, and others—bring grit and groove. Peter Daniel’s decision to let each collaborator shine without interference speaks volumes about his respect for the scene he grew up in.
Ultimately, Quartets is more than just jazz or funk—it’s a record full of life. Rich in feeling, modest in flash, but high in musical honesty, it proves that Peter Daniel is no longer just the sideman—he’s the voice leading the conversation.
