At World's Edge
| Company type | Studio album |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Philippe Saisse |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Key people | Philippe Saisse, Roy Hendrickson, Simon Phillips, Pino Palladino, Jeff Golub |
| Products | Jazz music album |
| Parent | Koch Records |
At World's Edge represents the ninth studio release by renowned jazz keyboardist Philippe Saisse. Issued in 2009, this album marked Saisse's debut with Koch Records. Co-produced alongside Roy Hendrickson, it garnered a nomination for the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.
Overview
This project was dedicated by Saisse to his late father, Maurice Saisse. The record blends African and Latin musical elements, showcasing a deliberate fusion designed to expand its audience reach.
Earning a nomination for the 2010 Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category, it was Saisse’s inaugural Grammy recognition; however, the award ultimately went to Joe Zawinul’s 75. Other contenders included albums by Stefon Harris, Julian Lage, and Mike Stern.
Recording
Initial sessions took place in Saisse’s basement studio located in Scarsdale, New York, but following flood damage, production shifted to Los Angeles. Key contributors—drummer Simon Phillips, bassist Pino Palladino, and guitarist Jeff Golub—collaborated with Saisse during the Los Angeles phase. Additional guest artists recorded their parts remotely and transmitted them to Saisse for integration. The final mixing process was completed in Tokyo by engineer Goh Hotoda.
Selected tracks
The album reflects much of Saisse’s experience relocating across the country during its creation. "Billy's Blues," featuring Jason Golley on trumpet and flugelhorn, was inspired by Bill Howell, a close friend of Saisse. Howell’s residence also inspired the track "Topanga Moon Dance." The opening piece, "From Nowhere to Now Here," illustrates Saisse’s westward journey. "Assante Sana" displays world music influences and includes vocals by Angélique Kidjo from Benin, Africa.
Critical reception
Jonathan Widran of Allmusic described At World's Edge as "one of the most exciting and explosive contemporary jazz sets of 2009." Randall Parrish praised it as "a highly entertaining and engaging work," emphasizing that only an expert like Philippe Saisse could craft such an impressive expression of modern jazz.
Track listing
- "From Nowhere to Now Here (Intro)" (Philippe Saisse) 1:16
- "From Nowhere to Now Here" (Saisse) 4:11
- "The Rover" (Saisse) 3:59
- "Billy's Blues" (Saisse) 4:21
- "At World's Edge" (Saisse) 4:12
- "Monday Afternoon" (Saisse) 5:31
- "Assante Sana" (Angélique Kidjo, Saisse) 3:45
- "Roppongi Blues" (Saisse) 6:29
- "Through Tainted Glass" (Saisse) 3:41
- "Topanga Moon Dance" (Saisse) 6:25
- "Junto" (Saisse) 2:40
- "At World's Edge" [Vocal Version] (David Rice, Saisse) 4:12
Personnel
- Philippe Saisse – piano, keyboards, producer
- Simon Phillips – drums, audio engineering, mixing
- Pino Palladino – bass guitar
- Jeff Golub – guitar, engineering
Guest musicians
- Jeff Beal – trumpet, flugelhorn, engineering
- Michael Davis – trombone
- Marc Antoine – acoustic guitar
- Kirk Whalum – tenor saxophone, engineering
- Lenny Castro – percussion
- Angélique Kidjo – vocals
- Annas Allaf – oud, guitar, engineering
- Jason C. Golley – trumpet, flugelhorn
- David Finck – acoustic bass, engineering, audio production
- Jasmine Roy – vocals
- Scooter Warner – drums, engineering
Production
- Roy Hendrickson – producer and sound engineer
- Goh Hotoda – mixing engineer and audio producer
- Ramon Hervey II – executive producer
- Francois Boutault – sound engineer
- Javier García – audio engineer
- Ronald Jenkins – engineering
- Daniel Meron – engineering
- Doug Schwartz – mastering engineer
- Andy Snitzer – engineering
- Jake Wherry – engineering
- Christian "Wicked" Wicht – engineering
- Erik Zobler – sound engineering
- Alice Butts – design and art direction
- Sunny Bak – photography