Second Flight
Navona, 2024
8/10
The saxophonist Dan Goble and pianist Russell Hirshfield come together for these detailed performances from many of today’s leading composers in both solo and duo settings.
“Pradakshina: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano” starts the listen with the lively keys and wind interacting with much playfulness and warmth in the James David piece, and “Yes, No, Maybe?”, by Jennifer Higdon, follows a sublime intimacy that benefits much from poetic beauty.
The title track, by Joan Tower, lands in the middle, and allows for Goble’s soft alto saxophone to radiate in the bare climate, while “Facades (From Glassworks)” see the pair cultivating a mesmerizing and gentle mood that’s collaborative via Philip Glass’ vision.
The final selection, David Biedenbender’s “Images”, is a bright exit, where the pair both illustrate much agility and technical prowess.
A body of work that’s never short on melody and rhythm, each track brings different ideas and skilled musicianship that does justice to each composer’s talents.
Travels well with: Carlos Manuel Vargas- Souvenirs; Yoko Hirota- Small Is Beautiful