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Michael Brecker/Dave Liebman/Joe Lovano: Saxophone Summit: Gathering of Spirits
On Gathering of Spirits , Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano, supported by rock-solid drummer Billy Hart, longtime Liebman collaborator Phil Markowitz on piano and veteran bass man Cecil McBee, turn (most of) their attention to Coltrane's underappreciated later period and make the case for its inclusion in the canon. The CD opens with "Alexander the Great," a seven-minute post bop workout that feels as if the band is just warming up. The tentative, cautionary piano intro that begins Markowitz' "The 12th Man," the sinuous repetition of the beat and Hart's shimmering cymbals all establish the mood for the horns to make their statements. Brecker runs from the lower to upper register in his sore-throat solo. Lovano is abundant and smooth, swinging just a little tighter than his compatriots. Liebman trills and coos on soprano.
The intentional exoticism of "India" is addressed with a chorus of wooden flutes above McBee's bubbling bass before Brecker prods his tenor into anguish, its urgency heightened by the mantra-like response of Liebman's ascent on soprano. The divine melody of "Peace on Earth," in a relatively succinct treatment, is rescued from Trane's own protracted explorations of the tune and "Tricycle" is a series of trios linked by brief ensemble playing. The disc closes with the title track, the recording's freest piece, bolstered by Liebman's weaving of his own tenor between the other two, like steel embedded in concrete.
Be advised: this is no cutting contest. These players are summoning Coltrane to inspire each other to greater heights, not slice each other down to size.
Track Listing
1. Alexander the Great 2. The 12th Man 3. India 4. Peace on Earth 5. Tricycle 6. A Gathering of Spirits
Personnel
Dave Liebman
saxophoneMichael Brecker - tenor
Dave Liebman - tenor
Joe Lovano - tenor
Phil Markowitz - piano
Cecil McBee - bass
Billy Hart - drums
Album information
Title: Saxophone Summit: Gathering of Spirits | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Telarc Records
About Dave Liebman
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