Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Fred Haas: Telling Stories

Fred Haas: Telling Stories

By Dr. Judith Schlesinger
September 28, 2007
Sign in to view read count

Both saxophonist Fred Haas and bassist Michael Moore have recorded excellent duo CDs with guitarist Gene Bertoncini. On Telling Stories, the twos become a three, with Haas doubling on sax and piano and supplying all the material. It's obvious from the first track, the affable "Cayman Blues, that Haas is a talented composer who writes from the heart; he's also thoroughly accomplished on both instruments, playing with subtlety and taste. With Bertoncini and Moore in top form, it's an elegant, expressive threesome, and together they provide a relaxed and welcoming set.

Haas has a gift for thoughtful and melodic compositions. The dozen here, written over the past twenty years, range from blues to ballads, bop and bossas, including the serene "Infinite Vistas, "Winter Samba, and "Jobim, a tribute that manages to duplicate the feel of the master without copying him. The trio swings through some familiar changes on "Nowhere and caresses the gorgeous "Sabrina's Smile ; on "Blues with a Twist, Haas proves that his horn can wail as well as whisper. Meanwhile, Bertoncini provides exquisite solos and filigree throughout, while Moore supplies a deep, velvety pulse and some eloquent bowing on "Elegy."

The liners explain that Haas's songs were variously inspired by nature, love, and gratitude ("Elegy, for instance, is a tuneful tribute to the jazz greats who "gave themselves so completely...and live on through their music. ). The musical result is such audible contentment that listening to Telling Stories actually soothes and cheers the spirit. But this is no wispy, New Age fluff: this is real jazz, with style, substance and soul, and as such it's highly recommended.

Track Listing

Cayman Blue; Jobim; Midnight Whispers; Nowhere; Infinite Vistas; Blues with a Twist; Sabrina

Personnel

Fred Haas

saxophone

Fred Haas: piano, saxophone; Gene Bertoncini: guitar; Michael Moore: bass.

Album information

Title: Telling Stories | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Jazz Toons

< Previous
Getatchew Mekurya: Negus Of Ethiopian...

Next >
New York Moments

Comments

About Fred Haas

Instrument: Saxophone

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.