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Alex Hitchcock: Dream Band
ByHitchcock's program here is a sprawlingly ambitious one where practically every track calls for something different. His saxophone can fit into a bustling septet or playfully stretch out in a simple trio with bass and drums. Surprisingly, the outing begins with a vocal number, smoothly crooned with a cleverly shifting irregular groove underneath; Midori Jaeger provides some subtly rich cello alongside her vocals. As inviting as that opener is, the light-bop duet "Azalea" makes an arguably more charming highlight mid-set with just cello, sax and voice.
Dream Band impressively keeps a certain feel through whatever permutations arise. Hitchcock has a flair for grooves that flow despite their trickiness, while his bouncy and playful spirit pervades the jaunty interplay among the whole cast. Brisk-driving waltz, bongo-tinged capering, thoughtful ballad building to soaring finish with room for upbeat scattingthere is room for everything in Hitchcock's wheelhouse. While his sax playing has dazzled listeners for years by tastefully packing in a wide range of everything, it is a fun step to hear his compositional mind stretching in much the same way.
Track Listing
Wolf and Nina; Yeshaya; Intro; To Love Itself; Outro. FSTL; Move 37; Azalea; Embers; Overcome Any Obstacle with a Horse; Simulacra; And Then.
Personnel
Alex Hitchcock
saxophoneCherise Adams-Burnett
vocalsChris Cheek
saxophoneDavid Awedumi
trumpetDeschanel Gordon
pianoFerg Ireland
bass, acousticJas Kayser
drumsJason Brown
drumsJoe Downard
bass, acousticLusito Quintero
percussionMidori Jaeger
celloNoah Stoneman
keyboardsShane Forbes
drumsWill Barry
pianoWill Sach
bass, acousticAlbum information
Title: Dream Band | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Fresh Sound New Talent
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About Alex Hitchcock
Instrument: Saxophone
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