Eternity by Jaeil Ji Trio

Jaeil Ji Trio’s 2021 release, Eternity, is a fantastic 8-track jazz album. Each song has its own unique mood, but the atmosphere of the album as a whole is cohesive and prominent.

The opening track, “So, Do I?” makes a fantastic opening track because it introduces so many key elements of this trio that tie into the other songs. The beginning plays with expectations by using dynamic builds that fall into dissonance rather than quietly resolving, which creates an intro that immediately captures attention for the album. The next section brings in more groove with the drums and joyful piano melodies, showcasing the range of the trio and their seamless skill in fluidly navigating it. The bass is integral in initiating the transitions between sections. Between the second and third section, it assists in emphasizing the tempo change by changing the subdivision of notes, and it fills in a quiet moment with a slide that drops us back in. The song ends with elegant piano dancing out, and the bass and drums finishing together nicely.

The fourth and middle track, “If I die tomorrow,” starts off somber and pensive, which matches the mood of the title. Certainly, when we first contemplate our feelings if we suddenly died, there would be regrets, frustrations, and sadness of what we would not be able to achieve or experience in the future. However, looking backwards, we can find appreciation and gratitude for what we have accomplished and experienced, rather than what we have lacked. “If I die tomorrow” reflects this shift in mindset about halfway through, where it changes to an uplifting feeling. The song closes with an ethereal floating piano part that ties both moods from the first and second halves of the song together.

This album has something for every listener and every mood. From the more happy and groovy like “Morning Coffee” and “All the Glory to” or the longing “When you walked in” and “Just answer yes or no” to the contemplative “If I die tomorrow,” there is a different favorite track for everyone on Eternity.