Andy Scherrer Quartet: Second Step

Andy Scherrer is arguably one of the best jazz saxophonists to come from the other side of the Atlantic. He has a big tone, an advanced harmonic disposition, and can swing with the best of his American counterparts. A native of Switzerland, Scherrer's career spans 3 decades, and has worked with everyone from Dexter Gordon to Kenny Barron, and has been a soloist with the Vienna Art Orchestra since 1991; yet oddly enough, this CD entitled Second Step is Scherrer's first as a leader. The tunes on this CD are mostly originals, and fall into the categories of hard bop and modal jazz. For this date, Scherrer has assembled a fine quartet featuring William Evans on piano, Isla Eckinger on bass, and Dre' Pallemaerts on drums. Scherrer himself, sounds quite inspired for his first record date, and the music he creates is very inspiring to the listener. This, chapter one in the music of a talented saxman, elicits future expectations on a grand scale. Recommended.