ELEVATION

RUSH
2026 CD Release Tour

Sunnyside Records proudly announces the release of Rush, the powerful new album by ELEVATION, the acclaimed quartet led by Transylvanian-born pianist and composer Lucian Ban. Featuring renowned saxophonist Abraham Burton alongside one of the most formidable rhythm sections in contemporary jazz—John Hébert on bass and Eric McPherson on drums—Rush is ELEVATION’s third recording for Sunnyside and Ban’s twelfth release for the celebrated American label.

On Rush, the award-winning ensemble delivers a striking collection of original compositions that reflect both its collective virtuosity and its singular artistic vision. The album follows in the footsteps of the quartet’s acclaimed previous release, Songs from Afar, which was named Best Album of the Year in DownBeat’s 2016 Critics Poll and received a rare five-star review from the magazine. On the new recording, ELEVATION continues to expand its distinctive musical language through a series of original works, including deeply personal tributes to four masters of jazz—Billy Strayhorn, Abdullah Ibrahim, Larry Willis, and Andrew Hill—reimagined through Ban’s compositional voice and the quartet’s dynamic interplay.

The album culminates in a moving arrangement of an ancient Transylvanian folk song, featuring the soaring voice of special guest Gavril Tărmure, one of the region’s most compelling traditional singers.

Rooted in the ensemble’s profound command of modern jazz and improvised music, fueled by the intensity of their performances, and shaped by Ban’s longstanding pursuit of a chamber-jazz ideal, Rush presents music of rare depth, lyricism, and imagination. The result is a compelling artistic statement with a unique identity—one that transcends borders, connecting traditions, cultures, and musical worlds.

Run Time: Approximately 70 minutes, with no intermission.