You may ask “why would an alto sax player who sounds like Paul Desmond want to do material associated with him?”. Well, SOMEONE needs to remind all of us what an alto sax is supposed to sound like!
Brent Jenson has captured that classic “dry martini” sound perfected by Dave Brubeck’s famed sideman, including material from that quartet as well as from Desmond’s solo work with guitarist Jim Hall. He teams with Jamie Findlay/g, Zac Matthews/b and Dean Koba/dr for a soft and swinging collection of ultra cool tunes that float like smoke rings. The obligatory “Take Five” has Koba in a rich rumble, and the bossa of “Black Orpheus” is lovely with the suave brushes. Jenson and Findlay are cozy together on “ Out of Nowhere” and delicate on “Wendy” with California Cool cruising on PCH for a relaxed “Line For Lyons” and dainty titian blue for “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be”. Auditory riches like a balm in Gilead.