VSOP stands for “Very Special Old Phonography” and there’s truth in advertising here. We’ve got a couple releases from the San Diego label that should grab your attention.
Saxophonist Doug Webb leads an all start quartet with Alan Broadbent/p, Putter Smith/b and Paul Kriebich/dr through a swinging set of lyrical standards and one original. Webb plays tenor and soprano sax as well as the rarely used stritch, made famous with Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Webb is sleek on soprano during a fervent “My Shining Hour” and glows as he teams up with Broadbent on “Star Eyes.” His tenor glows like a lava lamp on the gorgeous read of “Chelsea Bridge” and all throughout this joyous session Kriebich’s ride cymbal drives the band like the stampede scene from Red River. A complete delight.
Jazz goes back to the church on a collection of spirituals and Sunday-related themes with an eclectic team of Ellis Marsalis Jr/p, Harold Battiste/ts, Alvin Batiste/cl, Ed Blackwell/dr, Richard Payne/b and William Swanson/dr. The reeds meld well on the reverential “Wade In The Water” and “Lil’ David” as Battiste’s tenor has a Coltrane tinge and Batiste’s has a hint of DeFranco. Marsalis gets some great things to say on “Nigeria” with Batiste and Marsalis gets to testify with the tenor saxist on “Harold’s Church.” Everyone sounds comfortable in the gospel setting here. Good sign.
VSOP Records