Year of Release: 1993
Selections:
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Musicians:
Bob Mintzer - Tenor Saxophone |
Liner Notes:
The saxophone, one of the more prominent instruments in jazz and contemporary music, has a rich lineage which spans more than 70 years. Through dixieland, swing, bop, cool, free, and beyond, saxophonists like Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Joe Henderson have blazed the way towards new approaches to improvisational music.
Here then is a dedication to the heroes of the saxophone (a few anyway) who have had such a big influence on us all.
To attempt a dedication of this kind is no easy feat. A lot of ground needs to be covered in a minimal amount of time. The intent here is to suggest the influence of Coltrane, Sonny, Wayne, Pres, and Bean within the context of a contemporary jazz format. The nature of the referral to the saxophone masters varies from tune to tune... some tunes being the trademark song of a given player (Coltrane and Giant Steps), while other tunes abstractly suggesting a melodic or rhythmical style associated with that player.
Michael Brecker and Bob Mintzer hold down the tenor chairs, while Peter Erskine, drums, Don Grolnick, piano, and Michael Formanek, bass, are the rhythm section. The high level of musicianship and long-term relationships between these musicians make for a spirited and meaningful program.
About The Music
The Saxophone is a 6/8 blues composed by Mintzer which is dedicated to all saxophonists. The blues is to the saxophone what Mozart is to the symphony orchestra.
Giant Steps is John Coltrane's signature tune which was the beginning of his system of superimposing an alternat harmonic structure over more traditional chord changes. This concept has had a lasting effect on saxophone playing.
Three Pieces is a duet with Bob Mintzer and Peter Erskine which explores three themes in three different tempos. This piece is dedicated to the special relationship saxophone players have with drummers.
Tenorman's Lament is dedicated to Wayne Shorter. This original Mintzer composition which has a somber and mysterious quality that is prevalent in Wayne's music.
Two T's is another blues featuring Brecker and Mintzer with some trading fours midway through. This tune is dedicated to all the famous saxophone duos (Al and Zoot, Sonny and Trane, Stitt and Jug).
Sonny is atune based on the harmonic structure of "St. Thomas" and is of course dedicated to Sonny Rollins.
Body and Soul is the consummate ballad of the tenor saxophonists made famous by Coleman Hawkins. Michael Brecker plays this tune followed by Mintzer's rendition of Everything Happens to Me.
Three Little Words is a dedication to Lester Young, who played this tune so beautifully and lyrically. Mintzer plays this tune in a trio setting.
Giant Steps holds enough weight to warrant being recorded twice. This time though, it is done quartet with a Mintzer arrangement.
Much has happened to music and the role of the saxophone in music since the great saxophonists mentioned above made their mark. It is important to note, however, that none of what we hear today from saxophone players would exist were it not for the music left to us by Trane, Sonny, Bird, Pres, Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, Wayne Shorter, and on and on and on...