“Rising Composer and Drummer Jacobo Vega-Albela Translates His Emotional, Cross-Continental Journey into Captivating Record”

ABOUT THE ALBUM

When Jacobo Vega-Albela left New Mexico for upstate New York to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a performer and composer, he knew it would change him forever. Ready to expand his potential, he soon found himself on a path that some only fantasize about. He has since transformed his extraordinary journey and its captivating highs and lows into his first album with 577 Records.
“Un-Belonging is a record underpinned by tremendous joy, optimism, and love for the world counterbalanced by a persistent, nagging feeling that I don't exactly fit in where I am,” explains the rising composer. “A feeling that serves as a perpetual invitation to lean in, to try to accept change gracefully, and to move through my life as though I am the protagonist of my own story.”
Recorded four years after he left the Southwest, the album offers nine tracks that will tug at your heartstrings. “To Hope” elegantly translates the raw excitement and spirited delight Jacobo brings to his beloved genre while the proceeding track, “Plonqs”, seems to illuminate the beauty of exploration and change. Jacobo integrated trio...  more

credits

released May 9, 2025

Adam Aronesty: Tenor Saxophone (tracks 3, 7, 9)
Jordan Lerner: Alto Saxophone (track 3, 9), Tenor Saxophone (tracks 7, 8)
Leon Hsu: Piano
Zach Walgren: Bass
Jacobo Vega-Albela: Drums

Recorded on June, 19th and 20th, 2024, by Fred Betschen at GCR Audio, Buffalo NY
Mixed by Sam Caldwell
Mastering by Jeremy Loucas, Sear Sound, New York City

Painting on cover: Untitled by Serina Turrieta (original work commissioned for this project)
Graphic design by Mark Smith

All music by Jacobo Vega-Albela except 05 - "I Fall In Love Too Easily" (by Jule Styne)

Publishing: Jacobo Vega-Albela
with exception of 05 - "I Fall In Love Too Easily" Copyright Concord Music Group and Warner Chappell Music Inc.