Joshua Redman's second Blue Note album, Words Fall Short, is a collection of original compositions that serves as the introduction of his new quartet, featuring pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris and drummer Nazir Ebo, which formed as a working band for the world tour behind the saxophonist's label debut - where are we. As the quartet performed steadily on the road, Redman felt a vibe developing and was inspired to bring them into the studio to record a set of music he had composed during the pandemic that embraced the shifting moods of wistfulness, sadness and resolve. The album also features special guest appearances by saxophonist Melissa Aldana, trumpeter Skylar Tang and vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa.