Gratitude is a heartfelt journey, bridging some of my earliest influences in jazz with a deep appreciation for the present and embracing the blessings of life, friends, family, and health from a new perspective. Community and mentorship are two essential elements of jazz. I’m infinitely grateful to the remarkable individuals I’ve had the privilege to learn from, collaborate with, and draw inspiration from throughout my career. Their encouragement has shaped me into who I am today.

Envisioning this project, I aimed to assemble a group of musicians that have been, and continue to be, a significant part of my journey. The inspiration for this album reaches back to Christian McBride’s monumental release, “Gettin’ to It,” which has the same rhythm section. As a young teen in Oklahoma, this album quickly became my guiding light. The laws of energy (Magnetism) brought me full circle in New York; after years of being in the trenches, I gained opportunities to work with each artist. The following compositions are dedicated to Jimmy Heath (Gratitude), Kenny Garrett (Kenny’s Quest), Joshua Redman (In the Spirit), and my son (The Promise). This album truly brings me full circle.

As you listen, may the music transport you on a journey of reflection, resilience, and celebration, where gratitude becomes a shared experience and a reminder of the connections and energies that bind us all.

—Sharel Cassity (December, 2024)