In this episode of The NEW JAZZ FOCUS Podcast, I step into the ethereal realm of Jazz mastery as I delve into a captivating musical story, spun by the renowned trumpeter and composer, Terell Stafford. Picture the iconic Village Vanguard in the summer of 2020, a barren sanctuary amidst a pandemic-ridden world. The hauntingly empty venue set the stage for a transformative experience as Terell's quartet, defying the odds, embarked on a musical journey that resonated deep within the souls of both performers and a distant livestream audience. A memory etched in time, that fateful summer encapsulated the dichotomy of our human existence – the delicate balance between health and illness, inertia and creativity... Terell found himself navigating the crossroads of these contrasting worlds. It was during these ponderous moments that the seeds of his latest album were sown.