David Binney: Aliso (2010)

Karl Ackermann

Contributor since 2010

New York based contributor.

Recent articles (62 total)

Published: May 9, 2010

Saxophonist David Binney's resume boasts of diverse stints with Maria Schneider Maria Schneider

band/orchestra , Craig Taborn Craig Taborn

keyboard , and Uri Caine Uri Caine
b.1956
piano among many others; a wide range of styles with the best musicians, composers and arrangers in jazz. While the scope of his talents as both a player and composer are recognized by his fellow musicians, wider public recognition has still been somewhat elusive. Though Binney's playing has always been inventive, it has also had an element of restraint that seemed to hold it within an arbitrary boundary. Aliso could be the release that changes that perception of Binney. As he has mastered the expression of succinct melodic phrases, he has also become comfortable letting the boundaries fall.

The mainstays of Binney's quartet once again surround him but now with the addition of guitarist, Wayne Krantz Wayne Krantz
b.1956
guitar . Bassist, Eivind Opsvik Eivind Opsvik

bass , whose own Overseas trilogy is an outstanding collection, the equally innovative pianist, Jacob Sacks and long-time collaborator, Dan Weiss Dan Weiss

drums on drums make up an particularly gifted quintet. Out of the gate Krantz takes a very rock-oriented approach on the title track, signaling more free-wheeling sounds to come. Krantz's participation is limited on Aliso but provides an adrenalin shot where it surfaces.

"Toy Tune" is a real force in this collection. It begins as an almost retro mainstream piece but quickly changes tempo after Binney's solo morphs into an improvisational form. This gives way to a brilliant solo by Sacks that similarly balances a melodic discipline with a freer improvisational feel. What follows, "Strata" works like a continuation with Binney and Sacks trading solos, tempos and styles but within a unified context. The two combined tracks are 18 minutes of outstanding music.

Devil's Workshop Big Band Devil's Workshop Big Band

various "Fuchsia Swing Song" is another stand out piece and an appropriate one considering that the original was considered a bit over the top by Miles Davis Miles Davis
1926 - 1991
trumpet . Binney's arrangement has a faster tempo without sacrificing the melody; the improvisational aspects are borne out in remarkable solos from Binney, Sacks and Weiss, respectively. The definitive track here is John Coltrane John Coltrane
1926 - 1967
saxophone 's "Africa." John Escreet John Escreet
b.1984
piano 's mid-song solo is stunning and establishes the mood for everything that bookends the 13 minute piece. Binney grabs on the end with his second solo in the piece with emotion and abandon. Aliso should provide higher-level public domain recognition and a later than appropriate breakout for David Binney.

Track Listing: Aliso; A Day in Music; Toy Tune; Strata; Teru; Fuchsia Swing Song; Bar Life; Think of One; Africa.

Personnel: David Binney: alto saxophone; Wayne Krantz: guitar; Jacob Sacks: piano (2-6, 8); John Escreet: piano (1, 7, 9); Eivind Opsvik: bass; Dan Weiss: drums.

Record Label: Criss Cross
Style: Modern Jazz