Christian Dillingham – As It Relates to Now (2026)

Christian Dillingham, a prominent double bassist rooted in Chicago's vibrant jazz scene, presents a compelling musical response to the complex social and political landscape of the mid-2020s with his debut album as a trio leader, released in 2026. The album, titled As It Relates to Now, emerges as a thoughtful artistic statement amid a period marked by heightened social tension and moral ambiguity in the United States.

While jazz history is rich with artists who have embedded political and social critique into their work—luminaries such as Charlie Haden, Max Roach, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus serve as foundational examples—Dillingham's approach is notably nuanced. Rather than overt protest or confrontational rhetoric, his project employs subtle cues: evocative track titles, an explanatory note included with the album, and the emotive intensity of the performances themselves. These elements collectively invite listeners into a reflective space, encouraging contemplation of the societal challenges shaping the contemporary moment.

The album’s thematic undercurrent is partly inspired by policy shifts initiated during the Trump administration starting in 2025, which Dillingham identifies as contributing factors to the fraught atmosphere he explores musically. The eight compositions on As It Relates to Now function as an outlet for the bassist’s feelings of frustration, urgency, and a search for resilience amid uncertainty. This creative process appears aimed not only at personal catharsis but also at fostering a shared experience that could inspire awareness or change.

Dillingham’s trio features alto saxophonist Greg Ward and drummer Jeremy Cunningham, both respected figures with whom he has a longstanding collaborative history. Their rapport, honed through years of various musical partnerships, manifests in a fluid and responsive interplay throughout the album. The musicians navigate a broad stylistic range, incorporating elements of bop, blues, and rock, underscoring their versatility and adaptability within the jazz idiom.

The album opens with its title track, establishing a commanding groove propelled by Dillingham's bass and Cunningham's drums. Ward's alto saxophone delivers memorable, soulful solos that highlight the trio’s dynamic chemistry and individual artistry. Dillingham’s bass work anchors the ensemble with precision and rhythmic mastery, while Cunningham injects inventive yet grounded drumming that maintains the music’s driving momentum.

Tracks like “Special Relativity” showcase the trio’s structural creativity, featuring an arresting unison statement between bass and saxophone that segues into a swinging, mid-tempo exploration marked by intricate walking bass lines and free-form improvisation. The composition’s episodic return to its opening motif adds cohesion to the otherwise exploratory dialogue among the musicians.

Another standout piece, “Behind the Horizon,” adopts a darker, more introspective mood, with atmospheric textures created through a combination of bowed bass and evocative cymbal and tom patterns. The thoughtful arrangement allows the trio to balance tension and release, offering a sonic portrayal of uncertainty.

The album also includes a ballad, “If They Knew,” which provides a sultry, reflective contrast to the more rhythmically intense tracks. This diversity of expression illustrates the trio’s capacity to navigate emotional complexity. Meanwhile, “Wooden Lawns” pays homage to Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, delivering a funk-infused, rhythmically agile performance enriched by Ward’s spirited improvisation and Dillingham’s energetic bass lines.

The track “Delusional Grandeur” introduces a boppish character reminiscent of early Ornette Coleman’s exploratory style, demonstrating the trio’s command over jazz’s avant-garde traditions and their willingness to push boundaries within a contemporary context.

Although the album confronts difficult social realities, it consciously avoids descending into despair. Instead, it embraces honesty and resilience, qualities that have historically empowered jazz musicians to effect cultural dialogue and transformation. Dillingham’s work on As It Relates to Now situates him within this lineage, leveraging music as a means of both documenting and responding to the pressing issues of our time.

In sum, Christian Dillingham’s trio debut stands as a timely and artistically rich contribution to contemporary jazz, weaving together personal expression, social commentary, and collaborative expertise. While details about the album’s reception and broader impact remain limited, the project clearly marks an important moment in Dillingham’s evolving career and the ongoing tradition of jazz as a vehicle for critical engagement.