Mike Bruzzese Discusses His Creative Process and New Album ‘Another Space’

For his sophomore record, Mike Bruzzese was interested in expanding his musical horizons. And that’s just what he did with his new album Another Space, released last month via Bent River Records. This was a highly collaborative effort, combining the efforts of several contributors who worked hard towards the finished product. Another Space captures the spirit of imagination, connection, and a shared musical vision. With it being such a collaborative process, the sounds have a warmth and a feel to them. They feel organic and well thought out, rather than just feeling like they were made in a box. Collaborators on the album include Ben Solomon on tenor saxophone, Mike De Masi on bass, Adam Arruda on drums, and a special vocal contribution from Laura Anglade.

Another Space is a reflection of who Bruzzese is as an artist. Part of his purpose in making music is to bring people together and create positivity. The album reflects his commitment to honest expression, improvisation, and collective spontaneity. There is a power in community and the creativity that it encourages, and Another Space is a reflection of that. Bruzzese hopes that listeners will feel the same sense of inspiration and open-mindedness that he and his fellow musicians felt when recording the album.

Bruzzese joins us today for a chat about his music, inspirations, Another Space, touring, and some reflection on his career.

How would you describe your creative process?

Mike Bruzzese: “My creative process can start in different ways. I practice and play guitar every day, so sometimes it begins with exploring ideas I’m working on. I’ll record a voice memo on my phone, start improvising, and develop ideas from there.

“Other times, something in life will inspire me—an event, a person, a movie, or something I read in a book. That inspiration pushes me to pick up the guitar and create new ideas.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Grant Green, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, Louis Hayes, Buster Williams, Lenny White, Sonny Clark, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker, just to name a few.

“There’s really no limit to the inspiration I get from my heroes.”

Mike Bruzzese ‘Another Space’ band

Tell us about your new album, Another Space. What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes?

“I really got to put together a dream band for my new record Another Space, and the most special thing about this project is the people involved.

“I’ve been listening to saxophonist Ben Solomon for at least ten years. I first heard him at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York with the late great Wallace Roney’s group, and I was blown away. And I remember thinking how amazing it would be to play with him one day.

“I reached out shortly after, and we talked about bringing him to Montreal to play together. We finally made it happen in 2024, and in 2025, I brought him back to record this album.

“Drummer Adam Arruda was someone I had always wanted to play with. He’s worked with artists like Kurt Rosenwinkel and Brad Mehldau, and he’s truly a special musician. He listens deeply to everything happening in the music and makes everything feel and sound great.

“Mike De Masi is one of my favourite bass players and someone I’ve known for a long time. He has a deep sense of time, sound, and feeling, and we always have interesting conversations—musically and otherwise.

“The cherry on top was having my old friend and rising star vocalist, Laura Anglade, on one track, ‘Lush Life.’ She sang it beautifully and added something really special to the record.

“When you’re working with artists of this level, the process becomes inspiring and seamless—it pushes me to rise to the occasion.”

Mike Bruzzese ‘Another Space’ album artwork

How does it make you feel when the power and energy you channelled in the studio comes to life in front of a crowd?

“The cool thing about this music is that each performance offers an opportunity to do something different. The energy in the room affects what’s being played, and every decision a musician makes shapes what happens next.

“It’s up to us to stay present, tap into that energy, and let go. That’s one of my favourite things about jazz.”

What is the story behind the name of the new record?

“When I first thought about making an album with Ben, it was going to be a quintet with piano. I associate his sound with big piano chords, and I planned to use the guitar more as a second horn.

“Then I realized it might be an opportunity to do something unique by removing the piano and making the guitar the main harmonic instrument. That shift created a different musical environment—another space.

“That’s when the title came to me: Another Space.”

Is there anywhere you would like to go that you have not been?

“I’ve played quite a bit across Canada, but I would love to perform my music in Europe and Asia. If anyone out there can help make that happen, please get in touch!”

Do you have any touring plans in support of the new recording?

“I did an album release show in Edmonton earlier in February.

“In April, I did a bunch of release shows in Canada.”

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take three CDs with you for eternity, what would they be?

“That’s a great—and challenging—question.”

• The Complete Quartets with Sonny Clark – Grant Green
• A Love Supreme – John Coltrane
• Filles de Kilimanjaro – Miles Davis

Honourable mention:

• Ravel: Complete Works for Solo Piano – Louis Lortie

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

“I’ll give you two.

“Over the past year, I have had the chance to play with two of the greatest drummers of all time. In October 2025, I played with Louis Hayes, who has worked with artists like Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Grant Green.

“Then, in February 2026, I performed with Lenny White, known for his work with Miles Davis, Return to Forever, and Freddie Hubbard.

“Playing with my heroes was a dream come true and something I’ll cherish forever.”