Saxophonist Rahsaan Barber Released Sixth Album Eternal
The jazz artist returns with eight original compositions and a tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in R&B
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Saxophonist Rahsaan Barber has released his sixth album as a leader, titled Eternal. The project features eight original tracks and one cover of a Marvin Gaye song.
Why it matters
The album serves as a personal reflection for the musician, as the title track was originally written as Awaiting Zora following a pregnancy loss experienced by the artist and his wife.
The album Eternal includes eight original compositions and one Marvin Gaye cover. This release marks the sixth studio project issued by Barber as a band leader.
The players
Rahsaan Barber
He is a professional saxophonist and jazz musician who currently holds a faculty position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ted Ludwig
He is a guitarist who collaborated with Barber on the recording of the new album.
The details
Recorded alongside his working trio and guitarist Ted Ludwig, the project incorporates jazz influences reminiscent of the 1990s. The supporting musicians featured on the album include pianist Matt Endahl, bassist Kevin Beardsley, drummer Joshua Hunt, and guitarist Ted Ludwig.
Timeline
The album Eternal was released on October 9, 2026.
A CD release performance is scheduled for October 16, 2026, in Memphis.
A CD release performance is scheduled for October 17, 2026, in Nashville.
Industry Dynamics
The album follows the long-standing industry trend of artists bridging soul music classics with contemporary jazz instrumentation. Barber aligns himself with current players who utilize the influence of 1990s jazz to maintain the genre's relevance in the modern streaming market.
Fans in Tennessee can attend upcoming CD release shows scheduled in Memphis and Nashville. The album is available for listeners to access and stream following its October 9 release.
The takeaway
The album serves as a deeply personal artistic expression for Barber while showcasing his technical development as a band leader. Listeners interested in modern jazz can explore his previous five albums to better understand the evolution of his sound.
What happens next
Rahsaan Barber will perform a CD release show in Memphis on October 16, 2026, followed by a second show in Nashville on October 17, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more emerging artists in the R&B music scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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