Alexa Tarantino’s fifth studio album The Roar and the Whisper is a spellbinding new chapter in the jazz musician’s evolution. The saxophonist, flutist, composer, and educator has long been lauded for her poise and precision—“a one-woman wrecking crew,” as Wynton Marsalis calls her. Now, Blue Engine Records captures the full breadth of her artistry: from spirited, up-tempo improvisations to intimate, ethereal ballads.
The Roar and The Whisper features Tarantino’s sophisticated compositions as well as her razor-sharp quartet, with Steven Feifke on piano, Philip Norris on bass, and Mark Whitfield Jr. on drums. Percussionist Keita Ogawa contributes his talents to “Tigress,” and multi-Grammy-Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant contributes her stellar vocals to two songs, including her own composition, “Moon Song.” Whether roaring or whispering, Tarantino plays with the exuberance and expressive brilliance that have become her hallmarks, delivering a sound that is fearless, immersive, and unmistakably her own.
“The Roar and the Whisper is, like any artist’s work, a snapshot of who I am and what’s on my mind at this moment in time. My sound, ideas, and compositions are an amalgamation of my experiences and influences. They will be different on the next record than they are on this one, and that’s what’s beautiful about a life in music. It’s been an unbelievable few years since my last release as a bandleader, full of travel, collaboration, and growth. I am proud to present The Roar and the Whisper to you. Thank you for listening.
The title, The Roar and the Whisper depicts a stark contrast between two natures. I am fascinated by the way dynamic and stylistic contrasts in music parallel human emotions and characteristics. We all have different sides of ourselves that we present depending on the context; we all embody this contrast within us. It is our capacity to hold and navigate these differences that is actually what brings us together; it’s what makes us human. There is a strength and a meaning to all of this that is fundamental to our co-existence as a people, as we celebrate each other’s individual self-expression and empathize with each other’s struggles.
The compositions on this record speak to varying emotions, distinct parts of the human spirit, and the vastly different ways that we connect with and relate to each other. In my own musical exploration, I am focusing on creating different characters in my sound and in my writing, from the more animalistic and primal—influenced by someone like Ornette Coleman—to the more decorated and polished, à la Cannonball Adderley or Sonny Stitt. “Provoking Luck,” for example, has a joy and optimism to it. It’s about doing the work; putting in the blood, sweat, and tears necessary to achieve something and then celebrating on the other side. It’s about pride in the pursuit and recognizing that we provoke our own luck through our hard work, dedication, and the way we move through the world. “Inside Looking Out” speaks to the idea of standing still and looking around you. When we zoom out, we are humbled to realize just how small of a piece we are in the global puzzle. It’s about taking stock of your surroundings and taking action from observation. “All Along” is a reminder that at the end of the day, no matter what we present as we walk through the world, we know who we really are at our core. Staying true to oneself and bringing our highest level of authenticity, creativity, and integrity to every day is paramount.
This record would not have been possible without my amazing bandmates: Steven Feifke, Philip Norris, Mark Whitfield, Jr., and our guests Cécile McLorin Salvant and Keita Ogawa. I couldn’t imagine having better friends, collaborators, and contributors to the music. Thank you to the incredible Ryan Truesdell for producing the record and helping bring my vision to life, and to the entire team at Blue Engine Records, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Wynton Marsalis for their endless support and guidance.
What made the making of this record particularly special is that this entire team knows me so well, like family. Because of that, everyone’s authentic personalities, spirits, and characters really shone through. That’s what is most important to me as we share this new work with you. I hope you feel that when you listen, and I hope you hear that everyone plays such an integral part in the music. This is not just my group playing my tunes as a band. This quartet is four equal creative voices, with our inimitable special guests, bringing their own magic to the music.”
– Alexa Tarantino, July 2025
All compositions are written by Alexa Tarantino except “This Is For Albert” (Wayne Shorter), “Moon Soon” (Cécile McLorin Salvant), and “Tigress” (Billy Strayhorn).
- Inside Looking Out
- The Roar and the Whisper
- This Is For Albert
- Portrait of a Shadow
- Luminance
- Moon Song (ft. Cécile McLorin Salvant)
- Back in Action
- Provoking Luck
- All Along
- Tigress (ft. Cécile McLorin Salvant & Keita Ogawa)
PERSONNEL:
Alexa Tarantino, saxophones, flutes
Steven Feifke, piano
Philip Norris, bass
Mark Whitfield, Jr., drums
Cécile McLorin Salvant, vocals – special guest
Keita Ogawa, percussionist – special guest