Here are two guys that play the reeds within the confines of the tradition, but bring a fresh sound to the ears.
Russ Nolan focuses on the soprano and tenor saxes along with Manuel Valera/key, Michael O’Brien/b and Brian Fishler/dr for a collection of originals, sans a single piece of Ellingtonia and a showtune. Some extra percussion via the hands of Yasuyo Kimura make “Cassa Cerrado” and “It Ain’t Childs Play” percolate with an attractive warmth. His reading of “Solitude” on the soprano has an otherworldly meditative quality, while he gets quite complex and quirky on the title track with the air tight rhythm team. His tenor is warm and wondrous on Sondheim’s “Not While I’m Around” and digs deep on the 3rd World cooker “Abakua.” Well rounded and crafted.
Matt Renzi plays sax, clarinet and flute along with oboe as he teams up with the core of Dave Ambrosio/b and Russ Meissner/dr and special guests. The trio works well on the undulating title track, while the addition of Ralph Alessi on trumpet for “Wall Tune” and “SP” add a bit of a bop sound. Some African percussion provided by A.R. Balaskandan gives some exoticism to “Tha Thom” and Noasis” with the latter even including some vocal percussion via the buccinators of Giridhar Udupa. Well worth a listen!
Three Ps Records
Rhinoceruss Music