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Patrick Cornelius: Lucid Dream
ByThe fact that Cornelius is a bold and gifted saxophonist becomes clear after listening to his dexterous and angular notes on both alto and soprano. But what also becomes apparent are his striking arranging and composing skills, manifested in the disc's nine selections. Making good use of a talented group of young musicians also helps, and the core memberspianist Aaron Parks, bassist Sean Conly and drummer Kendrick Scottare all exemplary in their performances.
The pieces (seven originals and two covers) are executed with an air of uptown vibrancy, as on "The Chair is Broken and "The Woods, where Cornelius is joined by trombonist Nick Vagenas and the two engage in tight horn arrangements and sure solos. One of the most savvy tunes is "Don't Give Up, by the pop singer Peter Gabriel (one of Cornelius' influences), sporting a polished melody with silky touches of Fender Rhodes and soprano sax.
From beginning to end, this music is a satisfying mix of contemporary sounds. The disc closes with the warm "April Rain, colored by the voice of Gretchen Parlato. Other moments include a hot cover of Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce and the intelligently hip "Pretty Self-Explanatory, where everyone sounds superb. Two useful points of reference within contemporary jazz are pianist Robert Glasper and trumpeter David Weiss, who share a similar propensity for lyricism and fresh arrangements.
Track Listing
This Chair is Broken; Winds of Change; Pretty Self-Explanatory; Billie's Bounce; Alone Now; The Woods; Lucid Dream; Don't Give Up; April Rain.
Personnel
Patrick Cornelius
saxophone, altoPatrick Cornelius: alto, tenor saxophone; Sean Conly: bass; Aaron Parks: piano, Fender Rhodes; Kendrick Scott: percussion, drums; Nick Vagenas: trombone (1,3,6,8). Gretchen Parlato: voice (9);
Album information
Title: Lucid Dream | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Patrick Cornelius
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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