Sam Gendel’s Nonesuch Records debut, Satin Doll, was recorded in the musician/producer’s native California and is a futuristic homage to historical jazz. The album features three musicians – Gendel on saxophone, Gabe Noel on electric bass, and Philippe Melanson on electronic percussion – engaging in simultaneous synchronized sonic construction/deconstruction of jazz standards, including Miles Davis’ “Freddie Freeloader,” Charles Mingus’ “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” and Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll.”

Gendel is most known for his work with the saxophone, though he is proficient on multiple instruments. His work is diverse and includes significant collaborations with a wide range of artists including Ry Cooder, Blake Mills, Sam Amidon, Perfume Genius, Moses Sumney, Knower, Vampire Weekend, and Inc. No World. Gendel’s previous discography includes the critically praised Music for Saxofone & Bass Guitar with bassist Sam Wilkes and 4444.

“Sam Gendel plays like a student at the altar of spiritual jazz,” says Pitchfork. “His songs are just a little too psychedelic to sit in the contemporary jazz section, but his music is as studied and controlled as his counterparts in post-bop.” “In the spirit of Miles Davis or late-career John Coltrane,” writes Fader, “Gendel aspires to a transcendent form of jazz.” KCRW proclaims: “Sam Gendel makes poetry in musical motion [and] speaks to our time and beyond.”