Alan Goldberg’s CreateBecome is a captivating journey through the realms of progressive rock and jazz fusion, where the seasoned Austin-based composer reflects on personal growth, transformation, and the beauty of living in the moment. Released on March 10, 2025, this ambitious fifth album intertwines an eclectic mix of genres—alternative rock, jazz, swing, and beyond—centered around Goldberg’s signature piano work.
The album opens with the philosophical “Unbroken Chain,” setting the tone for a meditative exploration of life’s evolving cycles. Songs like the title track “CreateBecome (I. Receive II. Infuse III. Release)” and “Chance Choice Change” mirror Goldberg’s mantra of growth, where the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies act as both narrative and emotional guideposts. The interplay between Golberg’s piano playing with more traditional jazz elements including trumpet, sax, and trombone, creates a rich tapestry that pushes the boundaries of prog rock, while maintaining an improvisational energy that feels both spontaneous and deliberate.
Goldberg’s penchant for storytelling is remarkably effective on this album, and it will undoubtedly appeal not only to prog rock fans but to anyone drawn to expansive, emotionally charged compositions. CreateBecome is a transformative experience that invites transcendence for the artist and the audience, embracing the beauty of change and the ongoing process of becoming