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Russell Kranes/Alex Levine/Sam Weber/Jay Sawyer: Anchor Points
ByThe studio session is divided roughly in half, with four numbers by a quartet balancing four others by a drummerless trio, a nod to similar groups once led by Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole. Either way, the outcome is splendid, and even though drummer Jay Sawyer is impressive, his presence is barely missed on the trio numbers, as guitarist Alex Levine and bassist Sam Weber handle the rhythmic assignment with assurance.
To sum up, the quartet performs on Weber's "Feint," Levine's "Anchor Points," the Willard Robison standard "Old Folks" and pianist Russell Kranes' lively "Everybody Else But You;" the trio performs on Antonio Carlos Jobim's ballad "Viva Sonhando," the standards "Two Sleepy People" and "I'll Get By," and Billy Joel's rhapsodic "And So It Goes," which rings down the curtain. As every member of the ensemble is a seasoned musician, each number is given maximal care and attention.
Levine's guitar is tasteful and clear, as is Kranes' piano, while Weber and Sawyer stay the course without needless fuss or bother. Sawyer solos smartly on "Everybody Else," Weber on "And So It Goes" and "I'll Get By." If there is a downside (one with which other listeners may readily disagree), it is that the group favors cool at the expense of heat; only"Feint" and "Everybody Else" are taken at a more than moderate tempo. On the other hand, every track has its own distinct pleasures, and Anchor Points serves as an excellent introduction to Messrs. Kranes, Levine, Weber and Sawyer. .
Track Listing
Feint; Vivo Sonhando; Anchor Points; Old Folks; Two Sleepy People; I’ll Get By (As Long As I Have You); Everybody Else But You; And So It Goes.
Personnel
Russell Kranes, Alex Levine, Sam Weber, Jay Sawyer
band / ensemble / orchestraRussell Kranes
pianoAlex Levine
guitarSam Weber
bassJay Sawyer
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Jay Sawyer appears on tracks 1, 3, 4, and 7
Album information
Title: Anchor Points | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: OA2 Records
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About Russell Kranes, Alex Levine, Sam Weber, Jay Sawyer
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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