Joshua Redman: Timeless Tales (For Changing Times)

Change in jazz, as with most endeavors, can often be a good thing. While purists may have a tough time getting around Joshua Redman's "creative" re-workings of the old and new, one must admire his ambition and considerable talents. Except for a number of original "interludes" that bridge the gap between tunes, the entire CD is comprised of compositions that Redman considers to be "timeless tales." Certainly, the Gershwin's Summertime, Irving Berlin's How Deep Is The Ocean and Cole Porter's Love For Sale would fit into that category. I'm not convinced that pop tunes by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Prince have yet acquired that exalted status. Time will tell. Nevertheless, there is no getting around the fact that Redman (tenor, alto and soprano saxophones), Brad Mehldau (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Brian Blade (drums) make up one "hot" quartet. They have fashioned an album that may challenge your conception of what a "standard" is and how it should be performed. (***)

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