The Ostara Project’s “2601” is one of those rare jazz compositions that doesn’t just speak, it breathes, mourns, and remembers. Written by award-winning saxophonist Allison Au, the piece serves as a deeply personal tribute to her Jewish grandfather, a survivor of Auschwitz, whose tattooed number, 2601 becomes both the title and emotional heartbeat of the work.
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Rather than recounting trauma through dissonance or despair, “2601” honors quiet resilience. The piece opens with an unhurried, almost meditative tone, as if every note is carrying the weight of unspoken history. Au’s saxophone leads gently, weaving through the ensemble with melodic phrases that ache with humanity. The Ostara Project, an all-women collective known for their artistry and empathy, perform with a rare unity, giving the music space to exhale and reflect.
What’s remarkable is how “2601” balances emotional gravity with grace. The improvisations feel deliberate, like conversations between generations, while the rhythm section moves with restraint, allowing silence to play an equal role. It’s not a song about suffering, it’s about survival, dignity, and love that persists beyond memory.
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By the time the final notes fade, “2601” feels less like a composition and more like a whispered prayer. It’s a stunning testament to what jazz can do when it becomes both personal and universal, a bridge between pain and peace.
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