I Am Doing My Best is the fourth full-length album from JUNO-nominated, NYC-based jazz drummer Curtis Nowosad. Slated for release in June 2025 on La Reserve Records, the album is co-produced by two-time JUNO-winning guitarist & singer-songwriter Joey Landreth, and features special guests Joanna Majoko on vocals and Andrew Renfroe on guitar.

This is music for healing in an increasingly demanding world. We all have something—or many somethings—to heal from, and it is Nowosad’s sincere belief that if we can begin the messy, perpetual process of healing ourselves, we can begin the work of helping to heal our little corners of the world. If we can do that, we can create a kinder, gentler, more equitable and more forgiving world for future generations. Some of the themes explored in the music and particularly the lyrics—co-written with Majoko and Landreth—include self-compassion and treating yourself with kindness, being the person your child needs while doing the same for your younger self, building a life that aligns with your values, accepting your place in the stories of others, embracing change as the only constant in life and choosing faith in the face of self-doubt and indecision. 

Having long been a staple of the NYC jazz scene, touring and recording with many diverse artists including Braxton Cook, Jazzmeia Horn, Jane Monheit, Brianna Thomas, Jocelyn Gould, Bria Skonberg, Philip Harper, Marc Cary and Craig Harris, the album comes at a critical turning point in Nowosad’s career. He is excited to release this exceptional album—his first to feature all-original music—while showcasing his use of language to express messages that are at once both universal and deeply personal.

“Nowosad is fiery and scalding one moment, breezy and swinging the next, and perpetually inventive throughout.”
Downbeat

“Nowosad consistently pushes his players to go the extra distance and stretch boundaries.”
JazzTimes

curtisnowosad.com

lareserverecords.com

Release Date: Friday, June 6th 2025 on La Reserve.