For Now is an original music project led by vocalist/composer Isabel Crespo. They blend modern jazz harmony, thought-provoking lyrics, and intricate melodies to create a nuanced sound. Their music often examines social injustice through a poetic lens, turning complex situations into musical vignettes.
The quintet met while studying at the University of North Texas, a leader in jazz education worldwide, and in 2016, the project was born. Each member of For Now is a skilled musician and composer in their own right, and brings openness and versatility to the project. This allows the ensemble to seamlessly fluctuate between intimate ballads and aggressive up-tempo compositions. Their performances are dynamic, carefully weaving improvisations and composed material, and striving for new ways of unfolding the personal experience.
Their debut album, Elsewhere, was released Spring 2018. Although For Now’s music can undoubtedly be categorized as jazz, it wears its classical and popular music influences proudly. Unconstrained by genre, Elsewhere combines wordless vocals, counterpoint, and heavy drum grooves to create cohesive and varied arrangements. The album features Isabel Crespo on vocals and composition, Skyler Hill on electric guitar, Gregory Santa Croce on piano, Mike Luzecky on upright and electric bass, and Connor Kent on drum set and percussion. In addition to the quintet, Crespo arranged several songs to include woodwinds, brass, percussion, an additional vocals. For Now’s debut album is a reflection on the ever-changing nature of life, and it seeks to represent the current state of affairs, personal and otherwise.
Chócala is a sonic amalgamation of Latin rhythms, rock, and jazz with a touch of tropical psychedelia resulting in an experimental yet approachable sound with an infectious groove.