Matt Marantz: Offering
Saxophonist Matt Marantz's Offering is a splendid debut; echoing, in part, the lyricism and verve of three of his influencesCharlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, and Phil Woods. It's interesting to note that the young New Orleans based saxophonist is a tenoristwhose intrepid lines and phrasings are honed from practice and performancewith an alto-like tonality that is less throaty than players such as Chris Potter, and purposed with its own individuality.
Proving himself to be an astute writer on top of having fierce chops, Marantz's horn leads his band through "The Narrow Path," his playing synonymous with a bird in effortless flightgraceful maneuvers, turns, and fluttersharmoniously supported by pianist Sam Harris and featuring spot-on syncopating from bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Michael Davis. The music evokes a spiritual and peaceful quality, with contributions from in-demand guitarist Steve Cardenaswith whom Marantz once studiedmaking this an engaging listen.
The recording's tone is consistent throughout its eleven tracksinner reflections articulated through sophistication and melody. This thoughtful intent is also reflected in the track names. "Quiet, "Patience," and "Hope" are each descriptive of distinct, complex and piercing writing that illustrates communions of dialog and creativity; musician and instruments linked to one another in collaboration.
The inclusion of Cardenas adds another layer. On the lively, upbeat "Pastel" he embarks on a Wes Montgomery-like bop groove, but on the title track, he delivers some tasty Pat Metheny-esque voicing, which complements the other musicians. Yet the unselfish glow here is cast from the brilliance of Marantz's playing, which is filled with quiet fire and passion.
Offering doesn't try to overstate itself. It discards the notion of "hear-my-chops" bravura, and replaces it with a recording that has technical merit, but more importantly emotional depth; a personal statement from a promising young artist that warrants recognition.
Proving himself to be an astute writer on top of having fierce chops, Marantz's horn leads his band through "The Narrow Path," his playing synonymous with a bird in effortless flightgraceful maneuvers, turns, and fluttersharmoniously supported by pianist Sam Harris and featuring spot-on syncopating from bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Michael Davis. The music evokes a spiritual and peaceful quality, with contributions from in-demand guitarist Steve Cardenaswith whom Marantz once studiedmaking this an engaging listen.
The recording's tone is consistent throughout its eleven tracksinner reflections articulated through sophistication and melody. This thoughtful intent is also reflected in the track names. "Quiet, "Patience," and "Hope" are each descriptive of distinct, complex and piercing writing that illustrates communions of dialog and creativity; musician and instruments linked to one another in collaboration.
The inclusion of Cardenas adds another layer. On the lively, upbeat "Pastel" he embarks on a Wes Montgomery-like bop groove, but on the title track, he delivers some tasty Pat Metheny-esque voicing, which complements the other musicians. Yet the unselfish glow here is cast from the brilliance of Marantz's playing, which is filled with quiet fire and passion.
Offering doesn't try to overstate itself. It discards the notion of "hear-my-chops" bravura, and replaces it with a recording that has technical merit, but more importantly emotional depth; a personal statement from a promising young artist that warrants recognition.
Track Listing
The Narrow Path; Quiet; Patience; Coastlines; Hope; Pastel; Rainfall; Sketches; Dream's Harbor; Offering; Prayer.
Personnel
Matt Marantz: tenor saxophone; Sam Harris: piano; Martin Nevin: bass (1-7, 9-11); Michael Davis: drums; Steve Cardenas: guitar (2, 4, 6, 10); Ruben Samana: bass (8).
Album information
Title: Offering | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Self Produced