Pat LaBarbera: Deep In A Dream

Last September tenor/soprano saxophonist Pat LaBarbera appeared at the Forest City Jazz Festival with the same rhythm section featured on this CD. At the time, he alluded to the fact that he had always wanted to record an all-ballads album. Thanks to Bill King and Greg Sutherland of RadioLand Jazz, Pat's dream has become a reality. Deep In A Dream is a 12-track collection of lovely, slow burners that is perfect for late-night listening. While some of the tunes are well-known standards (Something To Live For and There's A Lull In My Life), a number of Pat's hand-picked favourites are more obscure. Indeed, Pat states in the liner notes that master balladeer Frank Sinatra's early recordings, Maybe You'll Be There, Why Try To Change Me Now and Deep In A Dream, were the source for these song choices. Although Pat has always been known for his up-tempo, Coltrane-influenced screamers, Deep In A Dream shows that Stan Getz and Lester Young have also inspired him. Brother Joe LaBarbera's brush work is light and feathery, Neil Swainson pulls deep, rich tones from his bass and pianist Don Thompson's occasional solo spots are suitably restrained. Break out the candles and wine and enjoy! ***