Late Posted August 9, 2003 Report Share Posted August 9, 2003 I slept on this one far too long — just picked it up last week, and have really been enjoying it. Whenever I look at the cd, I say to myself: What was I thinking? Being a fan of Tadd Dameron's compositions ... and I don't buy the disc for almost four years after its release? Argh! Anyway, if any of you (like myself a week ago) haven't yet tried this one, you're in for a treat. The "orchestrations" by Willie "Face" Smith of Dameron's tunes are respectfully, and tastefully, done here, and Lovano's soloing seems to step it up a notch (as compared to, say, his Trio Fascination album, which for some reason leaves me cold). What I'm most struck by is how Lovano manages to integrate the phrasing idiosyncrasies of Sonny Rollins from around (I'd say) 1962 into his playing, and still have his solos be his own. First, I don't think anyone has successfully touched on this phase of Rollins' playing with authenticity, and, second, I can't believe (well, almost can't believe) that Lovano is still Lovano after doing it! Listen to "On A Misty Night." Lovano's whole solo, as I hear it, is marked by that sort of "tripping down the stairs" quality to meter that makes so many of Sonny Rollins' solos (from his RCA period in particular) so amazing. And, the guy is playing a wooden mouthpiece? What a wild sound! I now understand the references I've heard to later Joe Henderson when I hear Lovano on this mouthpiece. He must have had a lot of fun putting this album together. My one (minor) reservation: I wish Gary Smulyan had had more solo space. Then I find out this album won a grammy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Late Posted August 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 (Sound of crickets.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Larsen Posted August 12, 2003 Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 Hey Late, I really, really like this album, too. I rate it up there with Trio Fascination 1 and Friendly Fire. I'd like to add some insightful comment so that this is more than just an acknowledgement that someone else on the board really digs the disc, but I'm not too comfortable writing about music and your comments sum up most of what I'd try to say anyway. It's a great disc! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzmoose Posted August 12, 2003 Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 I must admit that I'm a fan of larger bands, so keep that in mind when I say that this is my favorite Lovano disc. I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Late Posted August 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKE BBB Posted August 13, 2003 Report Share Posted August 13, 2003 Another "thumbs up" to this record. My favorite Lovano disc (alongside "From the soul") maybe because I´m a big fan of Dameron´s compositions as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted August 13, 2003 Report Share Posted August 13, 2003 I love this disc too and that's because I love Dameron. What's not to like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Late Posted August 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2003 Would like to hear what any saxophonists on this board think of this one. Lovano's phrasing is starting to f :rsmile: ck with my mind. I lub it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alankin Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 I liked it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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