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Alexander McCabe: The Round
ByPianist Joe Barbato switches to the accordion for the title track, a fun song that has a bit of an old dance beat to it (to call it a polka would be a stretch). The track was apparently recorded liveyou can hear a few misses on Barbato's side, which feel wrong but do not damage the tune at all. He also contributes a solo halfway through and the general feel is playful.
Barbato also contributed two of his own compositions to the album. "Taylor Made is a beautiful tribute to the late bassist Dr. Mike Taylor. The mid-tempo tune maintains a traditional feel, with modern inserts by the song's composer and a straight but vigorous bass line by Ugonna Okegwo.
"Jugo has a completely different feel, its salsa intro a clear homage to folks like Paquito D'Rivera and Arturo Sandoval. Another memorable moment is drummer Steve Johns' composition "A Cry From The Rainforest, which goes further into Brazilian territory than the first track. Here McCabe improvises without using too much speed, possibly drawing inspiration from Joe Henderson's frequent contributions with Jobim, Eliane Elias and others. Barbato follows the saxophonist's lead, playing in an incredibly subtle manner, cleverly switching to the accordion during Okegwo's bass solo.
These musicians' willingness to push into different styles results in a record that offers welcome surprises to the listener.
Track Listing
Floating; Taylor Made; The Round; Vilage Walk; Jugo; Yours; A Cry From the Rain Forest; Salvo.
Personnel
Alexander McCabe
saxophone, altoAlexander McCabe: alto saxophone; Joe Barbato: piano and accordion; Ugonna Okegwo: bass; Steve Johns: drums.
Album information
Title: The Round | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Wamco Music
Comments
About Alexander McCabe
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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