Equinox
Omnivore, 2023
9/10
A sax player with a resume that includes playing on The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, The Byrds’ Younger Than Yesterday, Jan & Dean’s Surf City, recordings from Cannonball Adderly, Harry Nilsson, Frank Sinatra, and many Phil Spector projects, Jay Migliori moves to the front of the stage for this previously unreleased solo album from 1984 that brings us 7 tracks from the original album plus 3 alternate takes.
The title track starts the affair with Migliori’s fluid sax and Chiz Harris’ very agile drumming making for a warm, jazz climate and “Four Brothers” follows with a swift and dynamic execution that showcases Joe Lettieri’s quick piano prowess amid the sax acrobatics.
In the middle, Jim Crutcher’s bouncy bass is quite exciting in the soulful “Blue Jay”, while “Lunarey” emits plenty of free jazz exploration that’s as meticulous as it is daring.
Closer to the end, “As Me Now” finds a romantic place to reside, as Migliori’s precise brass meshes with the graceful keys and soft drums, and of the alternate takes, “Four Brothers” is particularly frisky and dynamic, where the speedy rhythm section and bright sax sure do make a lasting impression.
These tapes were rescued from under a desk in California, and further tell the story of one of the most prolific jazz artists ever, as Migliori played on 4000 recordings. Cary Baker handles liner notes—which also features conversations with Jay’s wife, Patti, and legendary bassist Carol Kaye (whom Jay worked with as a session player)-, and it was newly mixed by Brian Kehew, mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves and produced for release by Patti Migliori and Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski.
Migliori passed away in 2001, and this post-humous release sure does illuminate his inimitable spirit and timeless craft superbly.
Travels well with: Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge; Lakecia Benjamin- Phoenix