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Alexander McCabe: Quiz
ByThe overall style of the music is straight-ahead, although the tunes occasionally show a more overtly bebop influence. This is particularly the case on "Lonnegan" and "Kalido." Both tunes were recorded a year earlier than the rest of the album and feature Gregory Hutchinson on drums. Hutchinson's tight and percussive drumming is a key feature of "Lonnegan," a driving blues tune centered on McCabe's hard-edged alto playing.
McCabe contributes five original compositions. "Weezie's Waltz," which actually moves between 3/4 and 5/4 time, is a bright, cheerful tune that features some light and fluid piano from Uri Caine. "St. Pat" is the most intriguing of the five: a freer sounding tune than the rest of the album it features McCabe and Caine at their most inventive while Rudy Royston's drumming creates a real sense of movement and intensity.
The two covers"Good Morning Heartache" and "How Little We Know"are lovely, insistent, tunes. McCabe's version of "Good Morning Heartache" is an extended arrangement with a Bossa Nova feel that centers on McCabe's crisply-toned alto solo and Caine's contrastingly rich chordal playing. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo, who also played on The Round, adds his own solo in the closing minutesit's a fat, rounded, sound that adds another dimension to the tune.
The sound on Quiz gives the album a real sense of a live club performance, even though all the tracks are studio recordings. With the possible exception of "St. Pat" McCabe's own compositions are pleasant rather than outstanding, but his playing is stylish and sympathetic. McCabe's band mates are talented musicians as well, and the ensemble ensures that Quiz is always enjoyable.
Track Listing
Weezie's Waltz; Lonnegan; Kalido; Quiz; Good Morning Heartache; St. Pat; How Little We Know.
Personnel
Alexander McCabe
saxophone, altoAlexander McCabe: alto saxophone; Uri Caine: piano; Ugonna Okegwo: bass; Rudy Royston: drums (1, 4-7); Greg Hutchinson: drums (2, 3).
Album information
Title: Quiz | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Consolidated Artists Productions
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About Alexander McCabe
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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