Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Alexander McCabe / Paul Odeh: This Is Not A Pipe

9

Alexander McCabe / Paul Odeh: This Is Not A Pipe

By

Sign in to view read count
Alexander McCabe / Paul Odeh: This Is Not A Pipe
Are we having fun yet? Saxophonist Alexander McCabe and pianist Paul Odeh are, on a rollicking duo outing, This Is Not A Pipe. The frequent collaborators delve into a loose-jointed, roll and tumble examination of some jazz standards and McCabe originals.

The word "seamless" is an often used—some would say over-used—as a description of a recorded offering. This Is Not A Pipe is not that. It is about as Un-seamless as can be. It sounds as if two good friends who can say anything to each other have gotten themselves involved in a relaxed and kicked-back free-for-all conversation, seams showing all over the place, even unraveling in spots.

And, as the saying goes, it's all good. In fact, it's all excellent. Opening with "Miss Maritza," McCabe's tip of the hat to his wife, the saxophonist and pianist Odeah are soufully spontaneous, with McCabe's tart tone bringing alto saxophonist Jackie McLean to mind, and Odeh shaping a joyful solo. "It Could Happen To You," the Great American Songbook gem, has an insouciant bounce in its step gem, with McCabe blowing, nearly, into free territory. "Penny's Way," is dark-hued and contemplative, free yet engaging, fractiousness alternating with beauty, wrapping up on a quizzical note. "Emily," the famous Bill Evans vehicle, sways prettily in ¾, with McCabe adding some sharp angles to the melody.

The title tune, another McCabe original, explores, again, a dark territory. McCabe, in the beginning, sounds like some just-awakened-from-hibernation-beast emerging from its cave at dusk, with Odeh's playing acting, in its contemplative loveliness, as a counterpoint.

A especially fine recording with the bonus of great sound quality. You're right there with them.

Track Listing

Miss Maritza; It Could Happen to You; Penny's Way; Emily; This Is Not A Pipe; Friday's Good; Daphne's Song; Minority.

Personnel

Alexander McCabe
saxophone, alto

Alexander McCabe: alto saxophone; Paul Odeh: piano.

Album information

Title: This Is Not A Pipe | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Wamco Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.