While not an inherent fan of the alto sax, coming from a tenor background, I’ve discovered a couple gents that really impress me. See what you think…
Molasses toned alto saxist Damani Phillips digs deep into songs with messages with his team of Dr. William Meneffield/key-p, BrndonMeeks/b, Cassius Goens/dr and a string section. The strings are judiciously used, sometimes as an extra pulse as on the soulful “So In Love (A Tribute To Cannonball)”, referencing the alto masters’s legendary string session, while the strings add mystery as they go pizzicato on the fragrant “Corcovado”. The mix of Meeks’ pulsating bass and strings is stirring with Menefield’s Rhodes piano on the passionate “Hymn For Trayvon” with the team is upbeat and r omantic for the sustained glory of “But Beautiful”. If I could play the alto as well as this guy, I’d switch from tenor; few other reed guys have inspired me as much the past few years.
Aaron Bazzell leads a quartet with Keith Brown/p, Brandon Donald/dr and Jonathan Michel/b for some impressive post bop pieces. Most begin soft and gently, gradually building up into a dramatic conclusion as on the driving “Up and Away” and graceful “Maktub”. The team goes all out on the gallop of “Increase and Persist” while Bazzell is at his most tender on the soft “Unrequited”. Rachel Robinson brings her sweet voice to the soulful “Eventually” while the teams works around the tricky corners of “Purpose”. Bold conclusion.