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Mark Masters Ensemble: Farewell Walter Dewey Redman
ByDewey Redman (1931-2006), the father of saxophonist Joshua Redman, is probably best known for his work with Ornette Coleman on albums like The Science Fiction Sessions (Columbia Records, 1972) and New York is Now (Blue Note Records, 1969). To those fans familiar with his work, he is best known for his sound. His tenor saxophone was one of the most distinctive noises in jazzan often gruff, growling, testosterone-laced, up-from-the-gut roar, identifiable from the first note. His opening growl on the little-know but classic free jazz outing Momentum Space (Verve Records, 1999) , with Cecil Taylor and Elvin Jones, sounds like a grizzly bear coming out of hibernation, looking for something or somebody to chew on.
Masters had planned to record this set with Redman in 2006, but the saxophonist passed away that year, so alto saxophonist Oliver Lake was chosen to fill the lead sax role. It was an inspired choice. Lake seems a kindred soul to Redman, with an approach of over-the-edge looseness and sharp, declarative (sometimes bellicose) exclamations that always seem on the verge of veering into untamed noise, without ever doing so. It's a style of playing thatas Dewy Redman always didkeeps things on a sharp edge.
Masters' arrangements allow the freedom for solos that are creative in the extreme, from Lake especially, and also from trumpeter Tim Hagans, trombonist Dave Woodley and multiple reedman Gary Foster. Masters has made something of a career this century successfully exploring different artists and aspects of jazz, from Porgy and Bess Redefined! (2005), to The Clifford Brown Project (2004), as well as One Day With Lee (2004), featuring alto legend Lee Konitz, and Wish Me Well: Reflections on Gary McFarland (2006), all on Capri Records. A Farewell to Walter Dewey Redman, with it's beautiful sixteen piece ensemble harmoniesEllington comes to mind at timesand inspired and adventurous soloing, is jazz at its finest.
Track Listing
Dewey's Tune; I-Pimp; Boody; Le Clit; Transits; My One and Only Love; Sitatunga; Joie de Vivre; Love Is; Thren; Adieu Mon Redman.
Personnel
Mark Masters
arrangerMark Masters: arrangements; Oliver Lake: alto saxophone; Gary Foster: alto saxophone, alto flute; Don Shelton: tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet; John Mitchell: tenor saxophone and bassoon; Bob Carr: baritone saxophone and bass clarinet; Scott Englebright: trumpet; Les Lovitt: trumpet; Tim Hagans: trumpet; Les Benedict: trombone; Dave Woodley: trombone; Charlie Morillas: bass trombone; Stephanie O'Keefe: French horn; Dave Carpenter: bass; Milcho Leviev: piano (3); Cecilia Coleman: piano (8,9); Peter Erskine: drums.
Album information
Title: Farewell Walter Dewey Redman | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Capri Records
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