After the heartbreaking death of my wife of 16 years to cancer in March 2024, I was forced to confront how precious life is. This loss reignited my passion for music, driving me to return to my true calling—creating and sharing music.
—Joe Elefante
I’m thrilled to release the debut album of my latest project, Wheel of Dharma. This quintet, featuring Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Erena Terakubo (saxophone), Sameer Shankar (bass), and Dave Heilman (drums), combines my original compositions with a focus on honoring jazz’s rich history while pushing its modern boundaries.
Freddie, Dave, and I share a special bond that goes back over 25 years to our college days, when we first met and began playing together. Reuniting for Wheel of Dharma has allowed us to tap into our long-standing musical and personal connection, bringing something truly unique to this album.
This release is deeply meaningful to me, not only as a celebration of our collaboration but as part of my personal journey. After the heartbreaking death of my wife of 16 years to cancer in March 2024, I was forced to confront how precious life is. This loss reignited my passion for music, driving me to return to my true calling—creating and sharing music.
Losing Caryn made me realize how fleeting life is. I’d been working part-time as a musician for a decade, but after she passed, I knew I had to dive back into my music full-time. It’s what I was put here to do.
The album includes five of my original compositions and a piece by Erena called “Rocky," capturing our quintet’s powerful synergy and expansive sound. I recorded and produced the project independently, allowing me to shape each detail and honor our commitment to this music.
Upcoming Release: #SongbookSeries
Alongside Wheel of Dharma, I’m also preparing to release a solo piano/vocal album of jazz standards, titled #SongbookSeries. This project, inspired by my journey through grief and healing, brings together timeless songs from the American Songbook.
After Caryn’s passing, I began sharing daily performances of these standards on social media, connecting with listeners through intimate renditions of beloved classics. The support and connection I felt inspired me to record these songs, which I consider a love letter to Caryn.
This album was difficult to record. There were moments where I could barely get through a song without breaking down. But it felt important to share this music, just as it was important to share those social media posts. Music has been my way of processing loss and reconnecting with the world.
The #SongbookSeries has already gained attention online, with each post receiving between 300 and 2000 views. I hope the upcoming album continues to resonate, sharing not just my art, but my journey through life’s greatest challenges.
Freddie, Dave, and I share a special bond that goes back over 25 years to our college days, when we first met and began playing together. Reuniting for Wheel of Dharma has allowed us to tap into our long-standing musical and personal connection, bringing something truly unique to this album.
This release is deeply meaningful to me, not only as a celebration of our collaboration but as part of my personal journey. After the heartbreaking death of my wife of 16 years to cancer in March 2024, I was forced to confront how precious life is. This loss reignited my passion for music, driving me to return to my true calling—creating and sharing music.
Losing Caryn made me realize how fleeting life is. I’d been working part-time as a musician for a decade, but after she passed, I knew I had to dive back into my music full-time. It’s what I was put here to do.
The album includes five of my original compositions and a piece by Erena called “Rocky," capturing our quintet’s powerful synergy and expansive sound. I recorded and produced the project independently, allowing me to shape each detail and honor our commitment to this music.
Upcoming Release: #SongbookSeries
Alongside Wheel of Dharma, I’m also preparing to release a solo piano/vocal album of jazz standards, titled #SongbookSeries. This project, inspired by my journey through grief and healing, brings together timeless songs from the American Songbook.
After Caryn’s passing, I began sharing daily performances of these standards on social media, connecting with listeners through intimate renditions of beloved classics. The support and connection I felt inspired me to record these songs, which I consider a love letter to Caryn.
This album was difficult to record. There were moments where I could barely get through a song without breaking down. But it felt important to share this music, just as it was important to share those social media posts. Music has been my way of processing loss and reconnecting with the world.
The #SongbookSeries has already gained attention online, with each post receiving between 300 and 2000 views. I hope the upcoming album continues to resonate, sharing not just my art, but my journey through life’s greatest challenges.
