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Rifftides

Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...

CD: Bruce Babad

Bruce Babad, A Tribute to Paul Desmond (Primrose Lane).

Alto saxophonist Babad approximates Desmond’s relaxation and lyricism without imitating him. From a pure sound standpoint, in the melody choruses of “Wendy,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Take Five” and other pieces associated with Desmond, he is almost eerily like his predecessor, but in the blowing choruses his harmonic approach and tonal characteristics earmark his individuality. Babad’s quotes may not quite achieve Desmond’s sly subversiveness, but they are literate and entertaining. His “Jan” is a lovely ballad, his “B.A.B.A.D” a witty “I Got Rhythm” contrafact. Guitarist Larry Koonse, pianist Ed Czach, bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Steve Barnes are superb. This is a sleeper.

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Doug Ramsey

Doug is a recipient of the lifetime achievement award of the Jazz Journalists Association. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he settled following a career in print and broadcast journalism in cities including New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Antonio, … [MORE]

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