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Cory Weeds: Big Weeds
ByNow here is another thing: Not only does Weeds play two horns so subtly different from each otherunlike, say, tenor and sopranobut he can make each horn bend to his will. So if he is playing a ballad, as he does so memorably on this record, or if he is roaring through a racy straight-ahead bop-ish tune, he simply 'becomes' the horn he is playing. His innate ability to inhabit the soul of a song is near perfect and this leads him to an exquisite sense of phrasing and pace. For instance Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, can almost be heard as Weeds 'sings' his way through "Blossoms in May," a tender chart dedicated to his wife. On "For Fathead," a more obvious tribute to Newman, he is shy and respectful as he dances around his homage; it's almost possible to see the saxophonist approach an idol with great diffidence.
That Weeds wrote both the above charts is a testament to his prowess as a songwriter as well. It is not, after all, about form, but more so about subtlety and nuance. And here Weeds is in great company as well. The mighty Mike LeDonne joins Weeds on Hammond B3, Peter Bernstein is added on guitar and Joe Farnsworth holds down the drum chair. Together this is a band that locks tight on James Moody's relatively little-known classic, "Darben the Redd Foxx." And their interpretation of "It's Only a Paper Moon" is wonderfully exhilarating. LeDonne, better known for his piano work for Benny Golson, is often spare yet wholesome on B3especially on "Corrupted Mango," that oblique reference to the chord changes on Sonny Rollins' "St Thomas," while on "Simply Said," he opens up the organ in heartfelt wails and moans like no other B3 organist doesnot even the great Joey DeFrancesco. Farnsworth plays with wonderful taste and lyricism throughout.
It is hard to believe that this is Cory Weeds' first record as a leader. This is real old school 'saxophonism' at its very best by a saxophonist about whom much will be heard in the years to come. And it features music that will echo in a room long after the notes of the last bar fades.
Track Listing
Darben The Redd Foxx; Corrupted Mango; For Fathead; Blossoms In May; It's Only A Paper Moon; Simply Said; No Bull; Modal Issue.
Personnel
Cory Weeds
saxophone, altoCory Weeds: alto and tenor saxophone; Mike LeDonne: Hammond B3; Peter Bernstein: guitar; Joe Farnsworth: drums.
Album information
Title: Big Weeds | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Cellar Live
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About Cory Weeds
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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