Gregory Tardy: The Hidden Light

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: April 1, 2000

Greg Tardy’s third release as a leader drives the mainstream highways with both a classic quartet and quintet format. Two-thirds of the album is original material that the saxophonist personalizes with an impressionistic touch. Working with Elvin Jones from 1993-95 has left a driving, forceful influence with Tardy; yet his heart moves him to other places as well.

Composed for a friend, pianist James Hurt, "Mr. Hurt" is built on the chord changes to "What Is This Thing Called Love," but results in a funky, Bo Diddley kind of party mood. "Second Wave" moves rapidly; both busy and light. It’s a dedication to his niece and his sister – an image the artist has placed "on canvas" to explain his feelings. Qualifying as a leading member of the generation following those 1990s "young lions," Tardy already has his own voice and is on track to help write the next chapter in jazz history.

Track Listing: The Hidden Light; The Living Hope; Beyond The Prison Doors (Venus Flytrap); Mr. Hurt; They Say It

Personnel: Gregory Tardy- tenor saxophone; Nicholas Payton- trumpet on "The Living Hope" and "Educated Freedom," flugelhorn on "The Hidden Light;" Antonio Hart- alto saxophone on "Second Wave;" George Colligan, Xavier Davis- piano; Sean Conly- bass; Eric Harland- drums.

Record Label: J Curve Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream