Cities and Desire

Released in 2006, Cities and Desire stands as one of David Binney's most cohesive and conceptually realized works. Recorded in Brooklyn with a 'dream team' of modern jazz innovators - including Mark Turner, Craig Taborn, Thomas Morgan, and Dan Weiss - the album explores the intersection of geography and emotion. The record is notable for its use of 'Intros' that serve as atmospheric bridges, allowing the listener to reset between the high-intensity explorations of major cities like London and Rome. Critics often point to this album as a pinnacle of the 'New York School' of modern jazz, characterized by complex odd-meter rhythms, through-composed sections, and a rejection of standard bop clichés. The production is exceptionally clean, highlighting the acoustic properties of the instruments while maintaining a layered, almost cinematic density. It remains a benchmark for how modern jazz can engage with contemporary life without losing its improvisational soul.