Keith Oxman: Home

Tenor saxophonist Keith Oxman has long been regarded as a steadfast guardian of the jazz tradition. With Home, he offers perhaps his most personal and heartfelt statement yet. The album, a warm blend of joyful explorations, reflective ballads, a touch of blues, and elegant bossa nova, is dedicated to those who shaped his life and artistry.

Oxman's smooth tone, clearly rooted in the lineage of Sonny Stitt and Charles McPherson, remains warm, centred, and unhurried, giving the entire program a classic feel. His quartet, featuring guitarist Clint Dadian, trumpeter Derek Banach, bassist Bill McCrossen, and drummer Todd Reid, provides a grounded, responsive setting that never overshadows Oxman's voice but continually enhances the narrative.    

Of the 13 tracks, 11 are Oxman originals, each crafted with intention and emotional clarity. "True Lou" opens the set with a lively stride and jubilant swing in this tribute to Oxman's father, which features warm unison voicings between Oxman and Banach. Oxman's subsequent solo is delivered with sunny confidence, as Banach's trumpet produces a bright sound, while Dadian's guitar offers crisp commentary. "Hardenesque" has a sly bossa beat pressed forward by the rhythm section as Dadian leads the way. All the players capture the essence of discovery and sympathetic camaraderie.    

The two covers provide an elegant punctuation mark to the session, beginning with Leroy Anderson's "Serenata" followed by Geoffrey Clarkson's "Home (When Shadows Fall)." On the former, Banach's phrasing intertwines with Oxman's tenor in a performance that exudes charm and refined swing. The latter, which is the title track, offers an embrace of nostalgia and warmth. Dadian's gentle chords and the rhythm section's soft cradle allow Oxman and Banach to deliver performances that feel like a heartfelt farewell.  

Throughout the remainder of the release, the compositions pay tribute to family members, fellow professors, mentors, and close friends, each crafted with style and verve. They include "Cousin Steve," "The Jazz Brothers Visit Curtis Street," and "Owen's Defence," among others. The recording concludes with "An Extraordinary Rose," written for Oxman's mother, who passed away in 2016. In this tenderly romantic piece, Oxman shapes the melody with a gentle bloom supported by Dadian's delicate counterlines. Banach's interjection complements the piece's quiet beauty.    

The album stands as one of Oxman's most generous declarations, deeply personal and enriched by an ensemble that shares his commitment.