Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Windmill Saxophone Quartet: A Touch of Evil

Windmill Saxophone Quartet: A Touch of Evil

By Jerry D'Souza
May 25, 2003
Sign in to view read count

Windmill Saxophone Quartet: A Touch of Evil

Music finds its playground in the imagination. The saxophone quartet has worked well for legions of the persuasion, and it sure does work for these four players. The word saxophone confines them, for they use more than that particular vestige—but then what’s in a name? Not only do they go about their calling with a sense of purpose, direction and adventure, they call on other musicians for added timbral texture. The one time they go down the trail by themselves on “As Is,” there is a sparse looseness to their interplay. The slow buildup leads to only occasional moments of animation. It is not easy to retain attention over almost 32 minutes, and this tune fails to do so.

When they have company, the results are rewarding. The Blake composition “A Touch of Evil” has a deliciously supple sway and wafts in like a gentle breeze. It lasts for all too brief a while but that sets into motion some interesting byplay, unison lines billowing in different directions, horns flinty and congas percolating. They do not indulge stasis when it comes to “Bipartisan Blues.” Working as a sextet with bass and drums, the leaders head toward bop—and it certainly is a good feeling when that leads to a bit of fun on the funk side. What’s more, when they all blow together, they brew a nice little storm. The many moods make for one exciting happening.

Visit Mapleshade Records on the web.

Track Listing

Mingus Medley; A Touch of Evil; Bipartisan Blues; 26-2; As Is

Personnel

Windmill Saxophone Quartet

Clayton Englar

Album information

Title: A Touch of Evil | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Mapleshade Recordings

< Previous
Rule Of Three

Next >
Journey

Comments

About Windmill Saxophone Quartet

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.