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Walter Smith III: Twio
ByThe lively opener, Monk's "Ask Me Now" is indicative of Smith's feisty yet sensitive approach to the album. "We'll Be Together Again," here only accompanied by Eric Harland on drums, proves that Smith can play just as effectively in ballad mode, lovingly teasing out every last note of the melody. Wayne Shorter's "Adam's Apple" evinces a satisfyingly robust outing, with the lack of a chordal instrument proving inconsequential yet again. Jimmy Rowles's "The Peacock" is given a sombre, pensive treatment by Smith, to some extent channellingbut not copyingthe original 1975 Stan Getz recording.
The humorous false start to Gigi Grye's "Social Call" gives a clue as to the atmosphere surrounding this relaxed and good natured session with Smith and guest bassist Christian McBride performing a short yet pleasing duet. Smith has worked with many leading figures in jazz including Roy Haynes, Terence Blanchard and Joe Lovano and this follow-up to 2014's Still Casual, consolidates his talent and reinforces the proposition that he now must surely rank highly amongst the finest saxophonists playing today.
Track Listing
Ask Me Now; Nobody Else But Me; On The Trail; We'll Be Together Again; I'll Be Seeing You; Adam's Apple; The Peacocks; Social Call; Contrafact.
Personnel
Walter Smith III
saxophone, tenorWalter Smith III: tenor saxophone; Harish Raghaven: bass (1,2,6-7); Eric Harland: drums; Guests: Christian McBride: bass (3,5,8-9); Joshua Redman: tenor saxophone (3,9).
Album information
Title: Twio | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Whirlwind Recordings Ltd
Comments
About Walter Smith III
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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