Greg Osby: Symbols of Light (A Solution)

Saxophonist Greg Osby puts together a unique gathering of sounds as he harnesses (or is it – unleashes) seven musicians of quality and compassion. The rhythm section includes: Jason Moran (piano), Scott Colley (bass) and Marlon Browden (drums/percussion). Then there’s the added richness of the string quartet with Marlene Rice-Shaw and Christian Bowes (violins), Judith Insell-Stack (viola) and Nioka Workman (cello).

“I interviewed a few string players about various bowing techniques, tremelos, pizzicato, and the ranges where they might sound the best,” Osby explains in the liner notes. “Some of the pieces feature ‘voice crossing’, with the cello on top, and voilin or viola in the extreme lower register. I also wanted the string players, who don’t normally have many opportunities to improvise, to have melodic options,” Osby explains.

Osby rarely performs on soprano, but he does here. “I’m a low register kind of guy, also on alto.” It’s his sound combined with his free flowing, searching style that gives the gang their direction. It’s nice and easy, but unpredictable and curious. Osby is almost in the background, lurking, pouncing when moved. The feeling is light and airy with the strings adding texture. This would be a hot item with just the rhythm section fronted by Osby. We are definitely offered a full plate. Enjoy.