Whether on alto sax or flute, Steve Slagle has honed his career to be a faithful servant to the joys of bebop. Here, he teams up with a core of patriots Lawrence Fields/p, Gerald Cannon/, Bill Stewart/dr and a couple guests for a joyful romp.
Joe Lovano joins the crowd along with Roman Diaz on congas for a peppy pulsed “Family” with some thick saxes joining together. Slagle switches to flute with the same team for a fluffy “Holiday” with Lovano on soprano and a sizzling salsa of “Viva La Familia.”
Sans guests, the group delivers a sweet and bluesy “I Know That You Know” and a snappy bopper on the title track. Slagle’s sax sighs on a glorious team effort of “Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry” and is bel canto on is solo aria of “Body and Soul.” His tone is rich, palpable and full of emotion. Technique can have feelings as well; something that is lost on today’s generation. Grab this one and hold on!
Panorama Records