Jazz Articles about Mitch Paliga

Mitch Paliga: Fall Night

by John Barron
March 25, 2008

On Fall Night, his second release as a leader, saxophonist Mitch Paliga showcases his well-defined soprano playing on seven of his original compositions. The Chicagoan is joined by keyboardist Jo Ann Daugherty, guitarist John McLean, bassist Patrick Williams and drummer Ryan Bennett.

The music on Fall Night has accessible leanings without sacrificing room for spontaneous development. Paliga tends to compose tightly-phrased, tonal themes atop intricate rhythms and dense harmonies. The simplified character of tunes like “Shadow ...