Sean Mason’s “State of the Art”

Sean Mason came to Boise in 2025 with a quintet that ended up a quartet (saxophonist Chris Lewis couldn’t make it). At the concert, the band mesmerized us, playing his album “The Southern Suite” and a few other songs. For me, it was the highlight of the season.

Things are a little different for his new album, “State of the Art” (released October 16). This album is recorded with a trio (bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Domo Branch, from his previous work), and the tracks I’ve heard give off a very laid-back juke joint vibe. And the videos that go with the music reinforce the vibe. More on that later.

On “Secure the Bag,” the bass and drums start with a steady, soulful, bluesy beat, and the piano overlays this with just the right notes that pick up the tempo without really doing so—the beat remains steady. The music then opens up, and we flow into a cycle of piano forefront and rhythm forefront before fading back to the original rhythm sans piano. At the end, Mason finishes up with some lyrical piano playing and a sweet exit that brings a smile to your face.

If “Secure the Bag” leaves you with a smile, it broadens as you listen to “A Good Day.” Another steady beat gives Mason’s piano room to move. Not flamboyantly—he measures his notes and plays with, within, and around the rhythm. The musical interplay gets a bit more complex before it comes to a quietly abrupt close. The smile remains.

The music is warm, smiling, and cheerful. Indeed, a good day.

Something should be said about the videos—these are great productions that capture the music’s warmth and cheer, complete with two central-yet-discreet “Movement Artists” who groove with the musicians. Mason is sporting a Monk-like beard, and at times, like Monk, doesn’t play the notes that you hear anyway.

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@seanmasonofficial/videos

Personnel

• Sean Mason — Piano

• Felix Moseholm — Bass

• Domo Branch — Drums

• Reyna Nuñez and LeAndre Douglas — Movement Artists

Tracks

1. Secure the Bag

2. A Good Day

3. Honey Pie

4. Carolina Waltz

5. This or That

6. Nightcap

7. One United (Live at Dizzy’s Club)