Newvelle Records is proud to announce the release of Renee Said, the ambitious new album from pianist, composer, and label director Elan Mehler, available March 17, 2026 as part of the Newvelle Ten Collection. Bringing together a seven-piece ensemble of some of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz, Renee Said is both a celebration and a statement — expansive, daring, and deeply personal.
“This is the record I am most proud of,” Mehler says. “What a gift to be able to work with these musicians in this setting. What life they bring to this music. Pinch me.”
The band is indeed remarkable. Loren Stillman (alto saxophone) and Scott Robinson (tenor saxophone) form a striking reed front line; Ben Monder contributes his signature guitar textures; and Tony Scherr provides the bass foundation. At the core are two of the most unique and contemplative drummers working today, Francisco Mela and Matt Wilson, often playing together to arresting effect. Their interplay fuels the ensemble with shifting colours, rhythmic depth, and a thrilling sense of unpredictability.
@Anna Yatskevich
Recorded at EastSide Sound in New York on February 3–4, 2025 with engineers Marc Urselli and Rocky Russo, Renee Said presents eight Mehler originals by alongside two deeply meaningful covers: Paul Motian’s “Byablue” and Frank Kimbrough’s “Quickening.” Both tributes resonate personally with the band — several members worked extensively with Motian and Kimbrough, making the performances as much homage as living continuation of their spirit.
The originals reflect Mehler’s compositional breadth, from the delicate lyricism of the title track and the mysterious expanse of “White Cloud’s Dark Sky” to the turbulent energy of “The Violence of Reason.” Together, the set creates a journey of mood and texture — music that thrives on openness and collective expression, performed by a band that listens as intently as it plays.
Renee Said stands as the third release in the Newvelle Ten Collection, a landmark series celebrating the label’s tenth anniversary. Each album in the series features original artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Ragnar Kjartansson, reinforcing Newvelle’s mission of pairing exceptional music with striking visual art.
The full Collection includes:
Stars — Martin Wind with Kenny Barron, Anat Cohen, Matt Wilson (Jan 30)
Landings — Ingrid Jensen with Gary Versace, Marvin Sewell, Jon Wikan (Feb 27)
Renee Said — Elan Mehler with Loren Stillman, Scott Robinson, Ben Monder, Tony Scherr, Francisco Mela, Matt Wilson (Mar 17)
Seer — Loren Stillman with Craig Taborn, Thomas Morgan (Apr 24)
For All Your Flowers — Skúli Sverrisson with Bill Frisell (Aug 1)
With Renee Said, Elan Mehler has assembled a dream ensemble and delivered an album of uncommon breadth, beauty, and vitality — a fitting component in Newvelle’s celebration of a decade devoted to uncompromising artistry.
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