ProJazz.net

The Humble Warrior is a 2020 jazz album by saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, marking his leader debut for Smoke Sessions Records.

Key Album Details
Personnel: Features Escoffery’s core quartet—David Kikoski (piano), Ugonna Okegwo (bass), and Ralph Peterson (drums)—with guests Randy Brecker (trumpet) and David Gilmore (guitar).
Concept: The title pays tribute to “humble warriors”—mentors and peers who prioritized artistry and humanity over self-interest, such as Jackie McLean, Mulgrew Miller, and James Williams, musicians who put artistry and humanity ahead of self-interest.
Musical Range: The set list spans from hard-hitting post-bop originals like “Chain Gang” to a jazz reimagining of Benjamin Britten’s Missa Brevis in D, which Escoffery sang as a child in the New Haven Trinity Boys Choir.
Critical Reception: The album received a 4-star review from DownBeat Magazine, which praised its “musical synergism” and commanding solos. “The superb playing of quartet members Kikoski, Okegwo and Peterson—humble warriors in their own right—undergirds the soloists’ clear success in this effort.”

Track Highlights
“The Humble Warrior”: The title track features “melting two-part harmonies” between trumpet and saxophone.
“Last Words”: A soulful and “hauntingly beautiful” ballad.
“Benedictus”: Part of the Britten arrangement, featuring guest vocals by Escoffery’s son, Vaughn Escoffery.