Born of The Horn - Justin Chart

Born of the Horn is alto saxophonist and flutist Justin Chart's album released in 2025, featuring a sextet with trumpeter Mike Rocha, keyboardist Mike Saul, guitarist (unnamed in solos data), bassist Bill Markus, and drummer Danny Beallo. The twelve-track program consists entirely of Chart's original compositions, including "Grinder," "Right On!," "Love on Lexington," "Prosper," "Lickity Split," and "Welcome to the Midst." The titles and the large number of solos across the album suggest a hard-blowing, soul jazz and funk-influenced approach, with Chart playing both alto saxophone and flute across the set. Rocha's trumpet creates a two-horn front line, and Saul's keyboards provide both comping and solo textures. The album features forty-two cataloged solos, indicating extended improvisations and a program that prioritizes live-feeling, jam-oriented performances. Chart's writing favors groove-based compositions with strong melodic hooks — track titles like "Right On!" and "We Got Somethin Goin On" suggest the music's rhythmic, celebratory energy. The album documents a working ensemble's chemistry across a generous program of original material.