Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Joel Frahm: We Used to Dance

344

Joel Frahm: We Used to Dance

By

Sign in to view read count
Joel Frahm: We Used to Dance
Working with pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Victor Lewis on a straight-ahead jazz session would be a real treat for anyone. It turns out to be especially fruitful for tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm, who delivers this program of standards and originals with an artist's delicate touch. The proud owner of a rich, luxurious tone, the saxophonist interprets ballads, blues and up-tempo romps with clarity while swinging in a rhythmic groove when the situation permits. He and this stellar trio are equally at ease with tender ballads such as "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, "My Ideal and Barron's "Song for Abdullah as they are with quick burners such as Frahm's exotic "Jobimiola and his adventurous "A Whole New You.

Barron was one of Frahm's teachers at Rutgers University and the thirty-something saxophonist and 63-year-old pianist share a love for lyrical themes and cool melodies on this program. On Frahm's dramatic "Nad Noord, the scene shifts suite-like, taking the ensemble higher and higher. With a crisp, extended drum solo serving as its centerpiece, the song depicts a tango-like aura that causes emotions to swell. Elsewhere, the landscape appears dotted with lush greenery and flowing rivers that sing their praises to this saxophone star.

Track Listing

Bob

Personnel

Joel Frahm
saxophone, tenor

Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone; Kenny Barron: piano; Rufus Reid: bass; Victor Lewis: drums.

Album information

Title: We Used to Dance | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Anzic Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Apr 10 Wed
Apr 10 Wed

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

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

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.