Light Of The Sun
Living, 2020
8/10
Paul Winter has done much in his lengthy career that has entailed winning 7 Grammys, but what he hasn’t done, until now that is, is write an album where he is the featured soloist from beginning to end.
“Sun Singer” starts the album with Winter’s sublime soprano sax as Ray Nagem’s organs add much to the graceful opener, and “My Father’s Smile” follows with Jeff Holmes on piano as much beauty resides between the keys and sax.
Deeper into the listen, “Primavera (Spring)” benefits greatly from the sublime guitar work of Oscar Castro-Neves, while “Quiet Now” recruits Denny Zeitlin on piano for the soothing yet adventurous album highlight. “Canto Triste (Sad Song)” then hosts a full band as much beauty enters the dynamic interplay between the many players.
Close to the end, the agile “Winterson” takes help from Paul Halley on piano and organ, and the aptly titled “Inner Peace” exits the listen with Don Grusin’s keyboard supporting Winter’s sax on a meditative and stirring finish.
Now 80 years old, Winter offers new compositions here as well as classics from his vast catalog, as his 60 years of experience is more than evident on this very soulful effort that takes us on a journey with the sun through the morning, afternoon, evening and night of a day, as well as the seasons of the year.
Travels well with: Douglas Olsen- 2 Cents;; Igor Kogan- In A Big City