"My Anguish In Solidarity" is an original composition by Jun Iida from his 2023 album Evergreen, a high-energy piece performed with a straight-eighth feel at a blazing 255 BPM in C. The track's title suggests themes of shared struggle and collective resilience, and its driving tempo and intense rhythmic foundation create a sense of urgent forward motion. The recording features two solos that highlight the ensemble's range: pianist Josh Nelson takes three choruses over the 16-bar form, his improvisation navigating the rapid tempo with technical command and harmonic creativity, building in intensity across each successive chorus. Bassist Jonathan Richards follows with a two-chorus acoustic bass solo, notably performed in E-flat at a slightly reduced but still formidable 233 BPM, suggesting a modulation or key change within the piece's structure. Richards' bass solo demonstrates the kind of melodic fluency and rhythmic authority required to hold a listener's attention at such elevated tempos, his lines articulating the 16-bar form with clarity and drive. The track stands as one of the most technically demanding performances on Evergreen, its relentless pace challenging each musician to maintain precision and musicality under pressure. Within the album's diverse program, "My Anguish In Solidarity" serves as a showcase for the ensemble's collective virtuosity and their ability to sustain creative improvisation at extreme tempos.
