For The Love Of It All marks the recording debut of trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody, serving as a manifesto and celebration of love’s enduring power. Joined by his band Upendo—pianist Troy Long, drummer Quincy Phillips, bassist Michael Saunders, plus special guest vocals from Imani-Grace and synth from Vittorio Stropoli—Woody extends an invitation into a shared communion through music.
Recently signed to the prestigious Blue Note Records, Woody stands on the threshold of a transformative journey in the jazz landscape. In a conversation about his artistic evolution, he reflected on the profound connection between his personal experiences and his work. He envisions his debut album as a collective odyssey, capturing the ebbs and flows of life, with love as the guiding force. “Music is not just about glitz and glamour; it’s about being present and vulnerable,” he states, emphasizing the raw honesty he strives for in his performances.
Woody believes that the contributions of his band members are deeply woven into the fabric of the album, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects their shared experiences. “It’s a collective sound,” he notes, highlighting how the spirit of collaboration has shaped their artistry. His musical expression is inherently rooted in his heritage and the history of Black musicians, influenced by the legacies of his family and the vibrant pulse of the Baltimore music scene.
For Woody, music transcends mere storytelling; it serves as a powerful vessel for healing and unity, capable of bridging divides and drawing together diverse audiences. “We can unite people from different communities like few other things can,” he remarks, capturing the essence of connection that he aims to foster through his art. Through For The Love Of It All, he emerges as both an innovator and a storyteller, inviting listeners to embark on an exploration of love, heritage, and the transformative power of music—a journey that resonates with our shared humanity.
