(March 20, 2026) Jeff Ponders II plays may not be a household name to most SoulTrackers, but for jazz and indie soul artists, the Detroit-based saxman has been a musician to watch. He is one of those rare artists who combines world-class technical skills with accessibility, making his music both fascinating and fun listening.
Jeff is returning in 2026 with Becoming Better, an album long in the making that shows his many sides as a composer, musician and bandleader. The collection arrives in two parts, with the first being released later this month.
The album begins with “Trust and Believe,” itself a song of multiple movements: “Trust” has an EWF style swing, smoothed out with jazz flourishes that move it around sonically, while managing to stay in the song’s pocket. And it leads into “Believe,” an inspirational act, featuring Indie Soul King Eric Roberson, that pushes us forth warmly in both faith and affirmation on top of a Dilla-inspired groove. Jeff explains, “It’s about what it feels like to learn how to believe in yourself again, to believe in God again,”
“Trust and Believe” finds the perfect common ground for the two artists, bridging jazz, soul and hip-hop, with a Gospel-influenced message. It is a winner, and a wonderful first impression of the music of Becoming Better. Check it out below, and look forward to more Jeff Ponders in 2026.
By Chris Rizik
