Composer/Saxophonist Patrick Zimmerli Celebrates Launch of Emergence Music Productions Label, May 17

PATRICK ZIMMERLI ANNOUNCES MAY 16 RELEASE OF HIS STIRRING NEW ALBUM SONGS OF INNOCENCE, THE FIRST RELEASE ON HIS NEW RECORD LABEL, EMP (EMERGENCE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS)

EMP LABEL LAUNCH PARTY AND SONGS OF INNOCENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW: MAY 17 AT THE BLUE GALLERY IN NEW YORK CITY

“Zimmerli explores an exhilarating style that combines the spontaneity and exuberance of jazz with the complexity and rigor of the modernist composers he admires.” – The New Yorker

Patrick Zimmerli has announced the May 16 release of his 14th leader album of his original music, Songs of Innocence, the debut recording on his new label EMP (Emergence Music Productions), founded alongside producer and polymath Harold Bott, Jr. The acclaimed composer-saxophonist reconvenes his dynamic trio featuring pianist Kevin Hays and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. A sophisticated yet approachable collection, Songs of Innocence explores the terrain between the rhythmic vitality and spontaneity of jazz, the melodic freedom of pop music, and the craft of classical music composition.     

The album presents five of Zimmerli’s compositions influenced by William Blake, the famous English romantic poet whose “Songs of Innocence” are poems verging on nursery rhymes. Similar to Zimmerli’s songs, Blake’s poems can also have a darker side, exploring the process of corruption and loss of innocence as childhood turns into adulthood. 

“What I like in the William Blake ‘Songs of Innocence’ is a kind of willful naiveté, yet coming from a seasoned and rich intellect. The idea of simplicity really appeals to me, and as someone who gravitates naturally towards complexity, it’s a challenge to write music that is simple, sunny, and appealing.” — Patrick Zimmerli

A celebration of joy and optimism, Songs of Innocence features two musicians who Zimmerli has collaborated with for more than 30 years. “These guys are like brothers to me,” says Zimmerli. “Kevin has one of the most beautiful lush piano tones I have ever heard, in addition to his obvious technical brilliance and deep rhythmic feel. Similarly, Satoshi is a true poet of the percussion, listening so deeply in order to make the perfect contribution to every situation, always supportive and in impeccable taste.”  

Originally from New York, Zimmerli lives and works between his hometown and Paris. He has collaborated with many international musicians, including Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade, Luciana Souza, Ethan Iverson, The Knights Orchestra, and the Escher String Quartet. Zimmerli was awarded the 2024 Copland Fund grant to support his next album release Messages (EMP tbr 2025). His most recent recordings include Sun on Sand (2019, Nonesuch Records) featuring saxophonist Joshua Redman and Brooklyn Rider. Clockworks (2016, Songlines), featuring the all-star Quartet of Ethan Iverson, Christopher Tordini, and John Hollenbeck, was hailed by Downbeat as an Editor’s Pick: “Clockworks is a major achievement...a very structured and optimistic work.”        

Patrick Zimmerli will celebrate the album’s release and the record label’s launch with several special guest artists (names TBA) at The Blue Gallery in New York City May 17.

Songs of Innocence was recorded at East Side Studio in NYC. Available on audiophile HD formats and CD. 

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Patrick Zimmerli Trio · Songs of Innocence

Emergence Music Productions · Release Dates: May 16, 2025 (digital)  May 23, 2025 (CD)

Catalog Number: Emergence-0001

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For more information on upcoming Emergence Music Productions releases, 
please visit EmergenceMusic.org.