Rachel Z career as a side musician is astonishing. Her work with Regina Carter, Terri Lynne Carrington, Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola among others, hints at her acumen as a musician. There is also her work with peter Gabriel, Wayne Shorter and her husband, Omar Hakim which further cements her standing in contemporary jazz. I first became aware of her music when I say her band, The Trio of Oz, perform at The Main Stage in Chicago a few years back. Her playing was dynamic, powerful and enticing. She also has quite a captivating solo career.
Her latest album, “Sensual”, out March 29, 2024 on Dot Time Records adds another layer to her enchanting career. Utilizing the core band of Hakim on drums, and Jonathan Toscano on bass, Z pulls the listener in with her staccato chords on piano on the opening song “ Save My Soul” her piano solos dance with Hakin’s backbeat and are playfully supported by guest bassist Matt Penman. Z’s piano builds on the rhythmic tension yet allows space for the principle players and guest percussionist, Mino Cinela.
“Bodhisattva”  is equally enchanting with Z’s piano setting the scene while hakim provides a nuanced shuffle. The telepathy of these players shines through as they know instinctively when to lean and then back away leaving space of Z’s impassioned piano solos.
 “These Days” a Foo Fighters original combines Z’s elegantly powerful piano voicings with a nuanced jazz fusion backbeat from Hakim. Toscano provides an understated acoustic bass solo which is the launchpad for Z’s passionate piano workout. Hakim builds upon that, providing an aerobic cymbal and snare backing which elevates the song even further while shifting from 15/8 to 7/4 time signatures. While this is not what Dave Grohl envisioned for the song, I’m sure he is pleased with its treatment.
Rachel Z gives the listener six more tracks to reflect on. Her piano and synthesizer skills are obviously phenomenal however her craftsmanship and compositional skills are what makes ‘Sensual’ a must have . The album is available for preorder now on Bandcamp