Tenor Time
Afar, 2022
9/10
Scott Burns, John Wojciechowski and Geof Bradfield all bring their esteemed tenor sax playing to this fascinating and precise jazz listen that’s not short on solos or improvisation.
“Valkyrie” opens the listen with swift acoustic bass from Clark Sommers and playful drumming by Greg Artry as the saxes emit a souful yet adventurous spirit, and “Monday Waltz” follows with Richard D. Johnson’s mature keys complementing the very sophisticated and warm brass interplay.
“Some Other Sunday” occupies the middle spot and pairs twinkling keys with emotive sax prowess in the ballad climate, while “Altar Blues” bounces and shuffles with a dance friendly spirit that’s rich with timeless jazz and blues.
“Curioso” arrives near the end, and emits a busy and rich display of melodic jazz ideas, and “Corea” exits the listen with the keys, saxes, bass and drums meshing into a dizzying execution of meticulous but loose musicianship that you can’t help but admire.
The brass trio all bring originals to the affair, as does Johnson, and it makes for an energetic and absorbing journey that, amazingly, was recorded in just one day- a true testament to the talent present.
Travels well with: Ron Carter/Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Jack DeJohnette- Skyline; Ben Tiberio- Rare Peace