“Breaking the Ice” - Jon Gold
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Breaking the Ice, the new release from pianist and composer Jon Gold (dropped on June 1st, 2025, via Entropic Records), is not your average jazz single — and that’s exactly why it’s so damn good.
Gold has long been a musical shape-shifter, unafraid to dive into the deep end of complex rhythm, global textures, and unconventional arrangements. But with Breaking the Ice, he’s taken things to a whole new level — emotionally, technically, and culturally. This is a song that doesn’t sit still, and honestly, why should it? Life doesn’t either. And Gold, more than ever, sounds like an artist not chasing perfection, but chasing truth. One echo at a time.
Breaking the Ice feels both wildly expansive and intimately personal. You’ll hear sounds of Brazil — where Gold has lived and worked — but also nods to Coltrane, Stravinsky, and even cinematic classical textures. It's jazz, it’s global, it’s experimental, it’s emotional — it’s a vibe. But it’s also tight, sophisticated, and completely accessible, no matter how deep your music theory rabbit hole goes.
There’s a sense that this is music written not just to be performed, but felt. Gold’s melodic sensibility is magnetic — never obvious, but always inviting. His harmonic choices often take the scenic route, which makes for a more engaging listen. You don’t know where the phrase is going next, but when it gets there, it makes perfect sense. It’s like being on a beautiful drive with someone who knows all the hidden roads.
Co-producer and drummer Mauricio Zottarelli, is not just Gold’s rhythmic backbone but also a close friend and creative muse. Zottarelli — a Grammy nominee with a Rolodex of jazz and Latin legends — brings a punchy elegance to everything he touches, whether he's floating through a samba-infused ballad or tearing through the rhythmic jungle of more progressive material. The chemistry between him and Gold is palpable; you can hear the mutual respect in every bar.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
But the guest list doesn’t stop there. The single features a host of international talent. Bass legend Mark Egan (Pat Metheny Group, Gil Evans) drops in with his signature fretless magic. The Brazilian contingent continues with Rodrigo Ursaia on sax, while Marina Marchi — a breakout Brazilian vocal powerhouse — adds a kaleidoscope of vocal textures that range from earthy to ethereal.
Breaking the Ice is one of those rare tracks that truly lives up to the idea of “a journey.” It pulls you into different worlds, but it’s always anchored by Gold’s clear artistic voice — lyrical, sincere, and ever-curious. The emotion never leaves the room.
What’s remarkable is how inviting it all feels. Gold isn't flexing; he's sharing. And it’s that generosity — the way he builds musical bridges instead of fences — that makes Breaking the Ice not just impressive, but important. It’s brainy music for the heart. Soulful music for the curious. And honestly, the perfect track to sit with when you need to be reminded that even in a noisy, fragmented world, beauty can still bring us together.
Jon Gold may not fit any mold, but with Breaking the Ice, he’s definitely found his groove.
“Breaking the Ice” is available now on all major streaming platforms
