Jon Irabagon: Foxy (2010)

GLENN ASTARITA,

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: September 21, 2010

Track review of "Foxy"

Saxophonist Jon Irabagon is a promising talent who has garnered notoriety via his work with the clever and explosive quintet, Mostly Other People Do the Killing. On Foxy, legendary drummer Barry Altschul and bassist Peter Brendler provide sturdy support throughout the 78-minute sax solo extravaganza.

On the opening title track, Irabagon launches an interconnecting sequence of cuts. With a take-no-prisoners approach, the saxophonist meshes free-bop, free-jazz and swing, his spirited line of attack underscored by thick and fluid lines. Irabagon rockets into the cosmos, as Altschul lashes out with booming cadences amid the largely mid-tempo grooves. The saxophonist doesn't harp on one particular style, and even tosses in a few old school swing vamps, shaded with melodic hooks.

While the continuous 78-minute agenda might signify a marathon event, Irabagon struts his impressive stuff during this power-packed showcase.

Personnel: Jon Irabagon: tenor saxophone; Peter Brendler: bass; Barry Altschul: drums.

Record Label: Hot Cup Records