Escalation: Jazz Ensemble in New York

About Escalation

Escalation is a jazz group led by trumpeter and composer Ralph Alessi, heard in New York City at Smalls Jazz Club. The band sits within Alessi’s long-running work as a composer-bandleader, alongside projects such as the Baida Quartet and This Against That. Its personnel and repertory reflect his wider circle of collaborations, including work connected to Steve Coleman, Uri Caine, Fred Hersch, and Don Byron. The playing favors focused ensemble conversation over display, with space left for structure to emerge in real time.