By Veronica Johnson | Published January 2026
Every tune hits personally for the trumpeter. From the first notes of “The Coyote pt. 1,” Macklem showcases the tender side of his composing with Anderson’s melancholy piano intro leading to his piercing trumpet solo, combining both hurt and perseverance.
As a Canadian with deep Detroit connections, Macklem also pays tribute to both his hometown and his new home. “Nostalgia: For A Past Life” is a standout ballad expressing the sadness of Macklem never being able to return to the life he knew as a child. It’s reflective, wistful, rooted in memory; Macklem’s tone is especially beautiful, and Belgrave’s alto adds warmth.
“Theme For Detroit,” the heart of the album, pays homage to the city’s jazz legacy and channeling its indomitable spirit. There’s no end to how hard the band swings. Macklem makes a clarion statement with this album: This is jazz steeped in the Detroit tradition, but alive in the present moment.
