Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Elias Haslanger: Kicks Are For Kids

153

Elias Haslanger: Kicks Are For Kids

By

Sign in to view read count
Elias Haslanger: Kicks Are For Kids
Young Austin, Texas based saxophonist Elias Haslanger has received a good deal of praise since his arrival on the jazz scene. Haslanger’s sure fire attack coupled with references to Trane, Webster and Rollins serves up a recipe for acute jazz literacy while displaying characteristics that indicates maturity and individualism. Haslanger utilizes the services of the estimable pianist-educator Ellis Marsalis on two tracks and is backed by a good solid band throughout. The attitude conveyed on “Kicks Are For Kids” rekindles memories of “early 1960’s” Jazz Messenger or perhaps Miles Davis’ Quintet, which suggests tight, peerless ensemble work.

The opener and title track “Kicks Are For Kids” contains a catchy bright melody line and blends elements of funk and swing. This is an enticing and toe-tapping tune, which features some delicate and bouncy phrasing from pianist Fredrick Sanders. Trumpeter Tito Carrillo adds a nice touch with a huge bright tone and expressive soloing. “Kicks Are For Kids” develops into a mid-tempo swing and post-bop affair providing ample space for the soloists. The attractive melody is restated to enhance the sense of structure and compositional form. Haslanger’s “Eugene and Marie” features the elegant touch of pianist Ellis Marsalis who churns out a sweet ballad while Haslanger’s fluent yet moody tenor sax phrasings draws upon influences from the masters, namely Ben Webster and Sonny Rollins. Here, Haslanger’s full-bodied tone and eloquent, pensive articulations are a testament to his acute technical skills and maturation. His improvisational skills also warrant honorable mention. ! Haslanger’s fiery brand of tenor sax also incorporates lush romanticism, penetrating vibrato and acute timing are staples of his personalized and identifiable sound. It’s not all about technique as is the case with many of the so-called post-bop young lions who get substantial monetary backing by the big record companies. Haslanger’s music, while not revolutionary or groundbreaking excels in strong compositional material, a signature style saxophone sound and a sophisticated, focused sense of evolvement among the band. Haslanger dabbles with “free-improv” with the aptly titled “Free For Three”. Here, Haslanger, bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer J.J. Johnson stretch out and convey an abundant array of ideas, tones and shifting tempos. Haslanger picks up the soprano sax towards the end while bassist Livingston expands upon his walking bass lines taking a straight-up solo. J.J. Johnson’s drumming is solid and pervasive. He rarely mixes it up from a soloist’s perspectiv! e but lays down a good foundation throughout this recording.

“Kicks Are For Kids” should be counted among the top jazz releases of 1998. Haslanger has a lot to offer and displays core qualities that draw upon past influences yet establishes his identity as a cutting edge stylist with a firm stake in the ground. Highly Recommended.

Personnel

Elias Haslanger
saxophone, tenor

Elias Haslanger; tenor and soprano sax: Fredrick Sanders; piano: Edwin Livingston; bass: J.J. Johnson; drums: Tito Carrillo; trumpet (tracks 1,2,3,5,6 and 10): Ellis Marsalis; piano (tracks 4 and 9)

Album information

Title: Kicks Are For Kids | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Heart Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.