Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band, Like A Tree It Grows

BIS => 2 / 3 WEEKS
2LP - SCHMTCS
2025

- 20+ piece ensemble led by artistic director, trumpeter, and composer Igmar Thomas.
- Featuring renowned artists like Bilal, Talib Kweli, Dr. Lonnie Smith and much more.
- "Like A Tree It Grows." highlights the band's innovative approach to merging traditional Jazz with contemporary Hip-Hop elements.

TRACKLIST 

R&P
LEVELS (feat. Bilal & Igmar)
SPEAK NO EVIL (feat. Myron Walden)
WORDS I MANIFEST (feat. Raydar Ellis & Sean Jones)
ONE OF A KIND (feat. Ben Williams and Nicholas Payton)
THE COMING
INFANT EYES (feat. Jean Baylor & Marcus Strickland)
THELONIOUS (feat. Nicholas Payton)
THELONIUS (feat. Talib Kweli)
LONIUS
MARK’S HOPE (feat. Mark Whitfield)
FORTRESS OF HOPE (feat. Mark Whitfield)
ANGST (feat. Igmar & Marcus Strickland)
TO KINDA LOUNGE AROUND (feat. Raydar Ellis, Terrace Martin & Nicholas Payton)
RUNNIN OUTA TIME (feat. Igmar & Marc Cary)
PLAY IT BACK (feat. Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cory Henry & Grégoire Maret)

DESCRIPTION
When the late Jazz impresario and trailblazer Meghan Stabile first launched the Revivalist platform and Revive Da Live concert series in NYC, the goal was to bridge the gap between younger Hip-Hop audiences and traditional Jazz purists. Born from this vision in 2010 was the Revive Big Band, an inventive 20+ piece ensemble led by artistic director, trumpeter, and composer Igmar Thomas. Merging tradition with groundbreaking creativity since its inception, the multi-generational band’s world-class cadre of musicians unites for Like A Tree It Grows. As the Revive Big Band’s official full-length debut, this album represents not only a 14-year timeline of the Revive collective’s journey, but also a deeper tribute to the Black American Music lineage. It’s a celebration of community that uses the timeless power of music to tell a story of cultural legacy, innovation, and artistic collaboration. From original compositions like “R&P” and “The Coming”, to reinterpretations of classic records paying homage to musical legends (e.g. Wayne Shorter, Dizzy Gillespie, etc.) Like A Tree It Grows showcases Thomas’ intricate arrangements that blend Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, and a range of genres from the lineage of Black American music. With guest features from Talib Kweli, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terrace Martin, Jean Baylor, Bilal, and more, the album provides a bridge between past and future, inviting listeners to explore the roots of Black music while reimagining its possibilities.