recommendations: April 2008 Archives

Hans Glawischnig, Panorama (Sunnyside). The bassist ranges beyond his usual Latin territory through nine imposing original compositions. Glawischnig's sidemen are his boss, alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, pianists Chick Corea and Luis Perdomo and the noteworthy young drummers Antonio Sanchez, Marcus Gilmore and Jonathan Blake. Saxophonists Rich Perry and David Binney and guitarist Ben Monder also make appearances in this beautifully conceived and executed collection

Carl Saunders, The Lost Bill Holman Charts (MAMA). Holman wrote these jewels of chamber music in the early 1980s, but the commissioner put them in a closet for more than twenty years. When they came to the attention of virtuoso trumpeter Saunders, he assembled a septet to record them. And what a septet: tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, trombonist Andy Martin, baritone saxophonist Bob Efford, pianist Christian Jacob, bassist Kevin Axt and drummer Santo Savino, with Sam Most as a guest soloist on flute and baritone. Holman wrote brilliantly for medium-sized bands for a Kenton Presents project in 1954, for Jimmy Rowles' Weather In A Jazz Vane in 1958 and for Zoot Sims' Hawthorne Nights in 1976. Since then, most of his work has been for large aggregations. These newfound charts fill the gap--and then some.

Eric Alexander, Prime Time (High Note). In top form and with a responsive audience, the muscular tenor saxophonist and his quartet are captured in concert on CD and, in different performances, on an accompanying DVD. Like the music, the video and audio are clear and straightforward. Pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth are solid in support and solo. Alexander's and Hazeltine's heartfelt duo version of Bernstein's "Some Other Time" is a welcome departure from the intensity of a menu of challenging original tunes.

Bud Shank, Against The Tide (Jazzed Media). The main current of the DVD is superbly photographed and recorded video of a Shank quartet recording date. Interwoven with the studio session are documentary coverage of the alto saxophonist's long career and segments of Shank speaking. Pulling no punches, he discusses music, musicians, critics and why he walked away from the flute. The documentary includes scrapbook photos plus film and kinescopes of Shank performing in several settings from the 1950s forward. Running nearly two hours, the DVD is a thorough appreciation of a major jazz figure. The bonus CD has Shank with pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe LaBarbera; in duet with pianist Bill Mays; and with Bill Holman's band, the Lighthouse All-Stars and Duke Ellington.

Bob Blumenthal, Jazz: An Introduction To The History And Legends Behind America's Music (Collins). The critic and historian's attractive little book is a fine primer that also works as a refresher course for the experienced listener. Ushering the reader through the history and styles of the music, Blumenthal employs photographs, sidebar facts, anecdotes and enough informed opinion to provide perspective. The book includes a short glossary and a list of recommended recordings. It is a helpful guide and a good read.