Get ready to groove with Dr. Leigh Pilzer, the Washington, D.C. baritone sax powerhouse who proves that jazz is meant to be a living, breathing party, not a dusty museum piece. Described as a pure force of nature with a gruff, punchy, and assertive sound, Leigh brings a heavy dose of soulful grit to the stage. She has traded licks with the legendary Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and even arranged horns for local legends like Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy, and now she is bringing that deep, soulful swagger front and center with her vibrant new album, Keep Holding On.
This record is a masterclass in pure, undeniable groove, packed with plenty of attitude, low-end bark, and raw energy that blues fans will instantly appreciate. Keep Holding On strikes the perfect balance between paying respect to the jazz heritage and absolutely cutting loose, making it an essential, high-energy addition to your playlist.
π΅ LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM
The Deep Dive
Swinging at the Station sets the tone for the record with a driving, locomotive-like rhythm that acts as an immediate hook. With her deep baritone groove, Leigh Pilzer lays down a thick foundation that feels like an express train rolling right into a late-night blues club. Greg Holloway on drums doesn't let you take a breath and he's tight on the drums. Paul Bratcher is killer on B3 really winding it out as Holloway drops back. Pilzer sails on bari forcing you to sit up and listen making it a perfect opener for anyone who appreciates an unmistakable, steady pocket. Excellent opener!
Musing Music paces a 3/4 tempo into a smoky, reflective space where Pilzer gets to stretch out over a warm bed of organ. This track relies on mood and atmosphere, letting the soulful phrasing and dynamic low-end textures do the heavy lifting in a way that feels reminiscent of a slow-burning blues ballad. Bratcher really does a nice job complimenting Pilzer with his own solo and interweaving phrases by both artists. Very nice!
With a bit of an R&B sound, Pilzer digs into Keep Holding On and a real swinging groove. Bratcher dances on the keys with an almost gospel like integrity but keeping it loose. On Zingamomma, Holloway sets up an infectious, funky cadence and Pilzer lays down soulful King Curtis/Eddie Harris like phrasing that builds an immediate bridge to a soul-jazz style. Driven by a hard-hitting pulse and thick, driving chords, this piece shows plenty of juice and an dynamic finish that is bound to get feet tapping. Another soulful, bluesy track, East Coast Andy, is one of my favorites with Pilzer playing lead over a driving rhythm by Holloway. Bratcher really knows how to form and ride the pocket and he takes tis track for a great spin. Pilzer rolls back in like a boss showing all the swagger you'd want. Laying just behind the beat, she absolutely smashes it. Wrapping the release is hard bopper, G's Bop wraps with Kenny Rittenhouse on trumpet and some hot snare work from Holloway. Pilzer takes over big time laying down a real nice solo in the vein of Gene Ammons followed by Rittenhouse on trumpet. Bratcher gets his last run and he doesn't waste a note riding deep in the groove on B3.This final standout doubles down on attitude and technical dexterity, pushing the tempo up while keeping the underlying groove tight, leaving the listener with a punchy and memorable finale. Excellent closer!
π Album Credits & Production Info
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- Album Title: Keep Holding On
- Artist: Leigh Pilzer
- Record Label: Strange Woman Records
- Release Date: June 2026
- Producer: Leigh Pilzer
- Recording Engineer: Charlie Pilzer
- Mixing & Mastering: Charlie Pilzer
- Recording Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
- Artwork & Layout: Jenny Wilson / Matt Rippetoe
πΌ Track Listing & Personnel
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Core Trio: Leigh Pilzer (Baritone Saxophone), Paul Bratcher (Hammond B3 Organ), Greg Holloway (Drums)
- Swinging at the Station (05:28)
- Js and Ks (07:19) β Featured Horn: Jen Krupa (Trombone)
- Musing Music (06:54)
- What's Up, Puppy (07:00) β Featured Horn: Kenny Rittenhouse (Trumpet)
- Keep Holding On (05:41)
- When It's Gone (06:11) β Featured Horn: Ally Hany Albrecht (Trumpet)
- Zingamomma (05:35)
- Just Another Pretty Song (05:22)
- East Coast Andy (07:00)
- Sideburns (07:13) β Featured Horn: Joe Jackson (Trombone)
- G's Bop (07:05) β Featured Horn: Kenny Rittenhouse (Trumpet)
π΅ Discography & Purchase Options
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| Album Title (Click to View Store) | Record Label | Accreditation | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Holding On | Strange Woman Records | Leigh Pilzer | 2026 |
| Beatin' the Odds | Strange Woman Records | Leigh Pilzer's Seven Pointed Star | 2024 |
| Strunkin' | Self-Released | Leigh Pilzer | 2016 |
Watch: Swinging at the Station by Leigh Pilzer
Keep Holding On is an absolute triumph that effortlessly bridges the worlds of hard-driving jazz and deep, grit-infused blues. By stripping down to a tight, organ-driven pocket, Leigh Pilzer allows her baritone saxophone to deliver maximum emotional punch and raw, soulful texture. Supported by the incredible synergy of Paul Bratcher and Greg Holloway, this album is a masterclass in rhythm, attitude, and pure musical swagger. It is a high-energy addition to any music collection, offering a vibrant and unforgettable listening experience from the first train-like groove to the final hard-bop blast.
Bman's VerdictKeep Holding On is a masterclass in raw energy and soulful grit, stripping down to a powerhouse trio format where deep blues grooves and blazing jazz chops collide for a flat-out unforgettable ride. |
Label: Strange Woman Records Released: June 19, 2026 |
