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Refraction of Light

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Robert MacGregor

Label: Black Tri Records
Released: 2007
Views: 144

Tracks

The Fuse; Crimson Corridor; Local Transfer; Zizhuyuan in the Summer; Event's Horizon; Refraction of Light; Path Less Traveled; R.S.V.P.; Senbo's Dreamwalk

Personnel

Robert MacGregor

saxophone, tenor

Perry Wortman

bass

Miro Sprague

piano

Will Clark

drums

Album Description

Reviews: "If you are as sick as I am of every tenor player out there sounding like either a rehash of John Coltrane or a Ben Webster wannabe, you are going to flip over this new guy on the scene. Robert MacGregor has a tone and style all his own. His compositions grow on you more and more after each intriguing listen. Supported by a flexible and modern minded trio of Miro Sprague (piano), Perry Wortman (bass), and Will Clark (drums), MacGregor takes his horn and lets it simmer with a steely coolness similar to Joe Henderson meeting Warne Marsh. The Blue Note reminiscent opener, "The Fuse," features some high energy playing delivered at alluringly subdued tones. Like the old cliché, if you want to get someone's attention, whisper. "Local Transfer" has the band flexing a bit more muscle, with a funky backbeat supporting MacGregor's well hewn explorations. "Zizhuyuan in the Summer" conveys some serene spaciousness augmented by trumpet and flute floating over Sprague's crystalline piano playing. Smooth as silk on the West Coast boppish "R.S.V.P.," MacGregor can also add an edge of assertiveness as on the driving and progressive title piece. The music can weave in and out of your consciousness with its delicate use of dynamics, yet completely hold your interest when concentrating intensely due to the complexity of the pieces. MacGregor shows lots of maturity on Refraction of Light. His recording is certain to be a year end award winner." -George Harris / All About Jazz L.A. "I don't envy a serious young musician who is trying to put together his debut album. I'd think it would be a scary prospect, but if he has a musical vision and some talented pros to help him realize it, then he can give himself his very best chance to generate something memorable. Tenor saxophonist Robert MacGregor is certainly young, but the music on his album, "Refraction Of Light," due out later this summer on the Black Tri label, is startling in it's maturity. Every piece was written by MacGregor and he shows his versatility with a number of different styles, in both the compositions and his instrumentality. And although he is the focus, to his added credit he provides plenty of opportunity for his sidemen to shine individually. Those sidemen are a solid, talented group that includes Miro Sprague on piano, drummer Will Clark, and Perry Wortman on bass. Although MacGregor is new to the established jazz world, he is being noticed. Steve Slagle, a respected veteran of the Stryker/Slagle Band, who has also played with Joe Lovano and the Mingus Big Band, says of MacGregor, "One of the very few good young saxophonists developing his own sound...the debut recording, 'Refraction of Light,' is highly recommended". MacGregor has also caught the notice of Chris Rosenberg of Ornette Coleman's Prime Time, who says of him, "...the compositions are imaginative, the performances are strong... Robert's first release is a work of integrity". The very first cut, "The Fuse", ignites the whole album (groan - sorry, couldn't resist) with a lively and infectious spirit that had me hooked. "Crimson Corridor" follows with a softer, more subdued mood that is still very enjoyable. Even on the slower pieces, such as the moody "Zizhuyuan in the Summer", there's a lot to like. I enjoyed most of the tunes on this album, with my favorites probably the driving "R.S.V.P." and the softly melodic "Senbo's Dreamwalk", which closes the album. A nice mix of tunes and a nice debut album. I'm looking forward to more from Robert MacGregor." -Steve Albin / Blog Critics Magazine "...(Robert MacGregor's) got a distinct sound, and maneuvers easily around tricky postbop. Pianist Miro Sprague holds his own as well..." -Tom Hull / Village Voice (NYC)

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Album uploaded by Perry Wortman

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Refraction of Light

Unknown label
2007

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Refraction of Light

Black Tri Records
2007

buy