Artist: Alan Goldberg: Keyboards; Jake Naugle: Drums; Marcus Goldberg: Guitar; Mark Morgan and Sebastián Greschuk: Trumpet; Jeff Miguel, Jerry Branting and Jack Parry: Sax; and Tito Planas: Trombone

Album: ‘CreateBecome;’ Release: March 10, 2025; Label: Alan Goldberg Music; Mixing and Mastering: François Michaud / Wild Horse Studio; Final Mastering: Elliot James Mulhern

Living in the moment and stepping fearlessly into the unknown is a powerful sign of growth for anyone who’s well established and talented in their career. Accomplished Austin-based composer, Alan Goldberg is embracing that care-free philosophy of celebrating transformation on his ambitious new fifth album, ‘CreateBecome.’

The musician’s latest full-length record reflects on personal growth by intertwining an eclectic mix of genres, including alternative rock, jazz and swing instrumentation. Those instrumentals are driven by his signature piano work.

‘CreateBecome’s celebrates humility and reflection by interweaving collaborative creative energy with individual power. Besides his personal growth, the 11 songs featured on the LP are also linked together by what the composer has learned in his life. Goldberg and his fellow musicians drive ‘CreateBecome’s powerful message by the tracks’ emotional melodies, rhythm and harmony on the piano, guitar and jazz ensemble instruments.

The overall observations the composer makes about living and growing on the album start with a statement of continuity and permanence on its opening entry, ‘Unbroken Chain.’ On the elevating tune, Goldberg reflects on how asking questions and making new decisions has helped him pursue his goals and emotionally grow. The light piano-laced bridge and bluesy Celtic-driven melody set the tone for the meditative exploration of life’s evolving cycles on the succeeding songs.

Another standout entry on the record is ‘CreateBecome (I. Receive II. Infuse III. Release),’ which features an alluring blend of jazz and blues on various brass instruments, including the saxophones, trumpets and trombones. The instrumentals on the LP’s titular track truly stand out through its lush sonic textures.

The album begins to wind down with its penultimate entry, ‘Wave Function Collapse,’ whose melody shines through its brilliant accents and flowing passages. Combined with emotional rhythms, and harmonies that drive the narrative, Goldberg created a rich tapestry that pushes the boundaries of progressive rock and his signature traditional jazz elements. The interweaving of the piano, trumpet, sax and trombone blend his style of improvising that sounds both spontaneous and planned.

The passionate and intense song lead into ‘CreateBecome’s final entry, ‘I Don’t Know Why.’ The song features a palette of emotional, vibrant tones, particularly on the piano, which makes it a memorable closing to a journey of cherishing the magic of life.

Like any classic progressive rock album, ‘CreateBecome’ thrives on its spiritual interplay of melodies rhythm and harmonies. The record’s 11 tracks feature subtle grace and elegance in their own insightful, meaningful way.

Goldberg’s mastery of composition and storytelling shines through his interweaving of such rock instruments as the piano, keyboards and drums, as well as such signature jazz brass instruments as the trumpet, sax and trombone. As a result, the LP’s expansive compositions are compelling and emotionally charged. ‘CreateBecome’ is a transformative experience that embrace the benefits of change and the ongoing process of becoming someone new.

For more information on Goldberg, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud and YouTube pages.