For their first-ever studio project, Washington, D.C.’s own Mo’JAZZ delivers a stunning reimagining of the classic ballad “I Wish You Love,” released on July 1, 2025. Known throughout the region as a collective of celebrated veteran musicians, the group’s debut album features 14 timeless standards, but this track in particular shines as a breathtaking show of musical chemistry, refined artistry, and emotional weight.
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From the very first notes, the arrangement captures the tenderness of the original while infusing it with Mo’JAZZ’s signature touch of contemporary jazz elegance. At the center is vocalist Holly Shockey, a 20-year veteran of the United States Army Band Pershing’s Own, whose delivery is equal parts restrained and heartfelt. Her tone glides over the bittersweet lyrics: “My breaking heart and I agree, that you and I, we could never be, so with my best, my very best, I set you free.” Each phrase feels lived-in, as if sung not just from the sheet music but from deep within.
Surrounding her is a lineup of players with résumés that could fill a jazz history book. From Michael “Mo” Morrison’s steady hand on percussion to the lyrical lines of Peter and Will Anderson (hailed as “virtuosos” by The New York Times), the textured pulse of John Previti’s double bass, the shimmering touch of Chuck Redd on vibraphone, and the refined guitar work of Rick Whitehead, the ensemble builds a sonic backdrop that elevates the vocal without ever overwhelming it. Every note feels intentional, every dynamic shift carefully shaded.
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What makes “I Wish You Love” so effective is the balance between melancholy and grace. Yes, it’s a goodbye song, but it’s wrapped in warmth, a wish for peace, joy, and comfort even in separation. That emotional duality is where Mo’JAZZ truly excels. They don’t just play the tune; they breathe into it decades of collective experience, creating a version that feels both classic and refreshingly new.
With this recording, Mo’JAZZ demonstrates that their long-awaited studio debut was worth every second. “I Wish You Love” isn’t just another jazz standard covered; it’s a reminder of why these songs endure and how seasoned musicians can still find new ways to make them glow.
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