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Alex Garnett: Serpent
ByThe British alto and tenor saxophonist has been a professional player for 20 years, a first-call sideman for artists as diverse as Scott Hamilton, Wynton Marsalis and Van Morrison and a regular member of the Ronnie Scott's All Stars. Serpent is his recording debut as leader: a straight-ahead session strongly infused with the blues. Recorded in one day in 2009 at Systems Two in Brooklyn, this all-originals session impresses on numerous levels, including the quality of Garnett's writing, the playing skills of the individual musciians and the way in which they lock in together as a unit despite relatively little rehearsal (a deliberate strategy on Garnett's part).
Garnett is accompanied by a trio of top American players. UK-based bassist Michael Janisch, pianist Anthony Wonsey and drummer Willie Jones III form a strong partnership, supporting Garnett's lead playing sympathetically and seizing their chances to solo.
Serpent features two slow but contrasting tunes: "Three For A Moor" is a warm and inviting ballad; and "Dracula's Lullaby," as befits its title, has more of a noir-ish feelthanks, especially, to Wonsey's sparse chordal work and Janisch's bass solo. More upbeat tunes, like the catchy "Blueprint," which features a surprisingly funky arco solo from Janisch, and the slinky, Latin sound of "The Pimp," swing from the first note. "Saluda Hakim" is a tribute to Charlie Parker, a swinging bop composition with an irresistible hook and fine solos from every musician, while "Atonement" is Garnett's smoothly flowing take on "When The Saints Go Marching In."
Serpent's title is a reference to a precursor of the saxophone, and recognition of the inventiveness of Adolphe Sax. It's the musicians' inventiveness that stands out on the album, however, a belated but emphatic debut for Garnett as bandleader.
Track Listing
Lydia; Three For A Moor; Blueprint; Dracula's Lullaby; Saluda Hakim; The Pimp; Serpent; Atonement.
Personnel
Alex Garnett
saxophoneAlex Garnett: alto saxophone, tenor saxophone; Anthony Wonsey: piano; Michael Janisch: bass; Willie Jones III: drums.
Album information
Title: Serpent | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Whirlwind Recordings Ltd