Two Drink Minimum

Released in March 2024, Two Drink Minimum represents a significant stylistic pivot for Terrace Martin, moving away from his role as a high-gloss producer for the likes of Kendrick Lamar and toward his roots as a pure jazz instrumentalist. The EP consists of five tracks, all of which are interpretations of classic jazz standards including Miles Davis's 'Nardis' and Thelonious Monk's 'Straight No Chaser.' Unlike his previous solo works which often blended hip-hop and R&B, this project is strictly acoustic and improvisational. The recording captures a live-in-the-room energy that emphasizes the natural acoustics of the space, favoring a dry, intimate mix that places the listener inches away from the performers. Critics have noted the album's 'blue' tonality and its departure from the 'West Coast Cool' aesthetic Martin helped define, instead embracing a more somber, East Coast post-bop sensibility. It serves as a testament to Martin's versatility and his deep reverence for the jazz tradition.