All In
Neuma, 2024
8/10
The Wisconsin saxophonist Drew Whiting pens an appropriately titled sophomore album, where chamber, solo and electroacoustic settings unfold with incredible attention to detail.
Ed Martin’s “Shadow Dance” begins with Laura McLaughlin’s animated clarinet alongside Whiting’s playful sax and Kirstin Ihde’s well timed piano, and “Four Movements For Cello And Delays”, by Pamela Z, follows with Whiting’s expressive baritone sax making for intimacy and wonder.
John Mayrose’s “Sonata For Alto Saxophone And Piano” lands in the middle and recruits Ihde’s frisky keys that suit Whiting’s unpredictable alto sax, while “Among Verticals” comes with a cinematic quality via the alto sax playing that’s both colorful and captivating in the Yaz Lancaster piece.
“They Are Obviously Sounds; That’s Why They Are Shadows”, the lone original, exits with Whiting’s tenor sax emitting mystery and ambience.
An effort of sonically engaging work, Whiting excels in all different configurations, and the multiphonics, overtones and slap tonguing only heighten the experience.
Travels well with: Ken Field- The Canopy; Lina Bahn- Axolotl