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Happy Today Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The first release from Jeff Parker ETA IVtet not recorded the now closed micro-club ETA features two 20+ minutes tracks recorded live at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Uncut
    May 15, 2026
    90
    When bassist Anna Butterss breaks free for a lubricious solo around the 14-minute mark of "Life Swimwear", it's to usher in an exquisite passage of dubbed-out psychedelia threaded through with Josh Johnson's tender saxophone. [Jun 2026, p.34]
  2. May 15, 2026
    85
    An air of restraint prevails on “Happy Today,” as every musician is in perfect equilibrium contributing to this expertly sculpted mosaic of muted bliss and cool-browed funk.
  3. May 15, 2026
    81
    On both sidelong tracks, they take their time to establish a vibe, each member finding the right time to add another layer.
  4. 80
    The audience becomes an audibly thrilled fifth member of the band whenever Butterss and Bellerose land on a more steadily rooted groove, which renders the initially hushed, seemingly telepathic exchanges between the musicians into a collective effort to work up a muscular and hypnotic musical sweat.
  5. Mojo
    May 15, 2026
    80
    Happy Today is jazz at its most exploratory, unbounded form. [Jul 2026, p.89]
  6. May 15, 2026
    80
    It's brimming with invention and exploration offered with generosity and creative openness.
  7. May 15, 2026
    80
    Relative to the two previous releases, Happy Today is much shorter and far more accessible as the band combines their patented immersive ethereal space jazz with tangible, expressive playing. The music has groove and suspense, delivering an uplifting feeling, with some credit due to the passionate audience.

See all 8 Critic Reviews