D.B. Shrier Emerges
Omnivore, 2023
9/10
A legend from the Philadelphia jazz scene of the ‘60s, D.B. Shrier’s only studio record arrived in 1967, but good luck finding a copy until now. Thankfully, the original master tapes were recovered, and here we’re treated to the 5 tracks from the album, plus 5 bonus tracks.
“Blue Lights” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where the swift drums and adventurous brass is met with frisky bass lines, and “East” follows with a calmer spirit that benefits from soulful sax and restrained drumming.
Deeper into the original tracks, “These Foolish Things” welcomes graceful piano to complement the intimate brass, while “All Blues” meshes the hypnotic bass, animated drumming and strategic sax that certainly flirts with the blues.
The bonus tracks are excellent, and include the powerful and dynamic “Opus #3”, as well as the infectious pulse of the shuffling melodies that comprise Charlie Parker’s “Steeplechase”. “Just You Just Me” exits the listen, and benefits much from the agile keys and lively rhythm section, as Shrier’s flowing sax really does make an indelible impression.
Michael Graves did the mastering and restoration here, and Cheryl Pawelski handled production duties. Both bring their Grammy winning abilities to this important preservation of Shrier’s work, and Alan Sukoenig provides liner notes to Mike Michaels (piano), Tyrone Brown (bass), William Roye (drums), and, of course, Shrier’s stunning tenor sax
Travels well with: Hassan Ibn Ali- Retrospect In Retirement Of Delay: The Solo Recordings; Kenny Barron- The Source