In his new single, "Just in the Nick of Time," indie jazz-rock American artist Mike "Maz" Maher puts down his famously confident trumpet and steps into the spotlight, finding a whole new warmth in the unassuming light of his own voice, which suits him perfectly. Joining forces with the always-effective guitarist Mark Lettieri, Maher delivers a ripper that seamlessly blends blues, classic rock, funk, and soul into a heady concoction that gets down in the pocket and taps into the genuine wellspring of the feel-good jam.
Known as a member of the multi-Grammy-winning jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy, Maher has already left his mark on the jazz community. But in between, he covers new ground for himself, one where the songwriting and the vocals are the draw. "Just in the Nick of Time" shimmies with swagger, but it has an emotional heft, too. It's a song about clarity, those rare, redemptive moments in life that come just when we need them most. Lettieri's guitar adds a gravelly sheen and texture to the ensemble sound, helping shape a retro-cool vibe that channels the classic blues-rock tradition with a crisp, contemporary edge. Balance between groove and message, between rhythm and revelation.
The track encourages you to move, feel, and sense your own timely awakenings. That's apparent in the structure and execution of the song, too: short and punchy and to the point, it says what it needs to, shakes you about a bit, and leaves you wanting just a little bit more. Maher's decision to bench the trumpet for this one feels deliberate, almost symbolic, like he's leaning all the way into this other approach to storytelling. And for those who have been fans of his instrumental prowess, though perhaps caught off guard, they should find this new dimension of his artistry alluring. In "Just in the Nick of Time," Mike "Maz" Maher proves that sometimes a groove can be found in a moment of truth.
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