I had to triple check the photos of saxist Nick Stefanacci for the cover of this latest ep. As one who plays the tenor sax myself, I was surprised that the big, beefy and deep sound he gets on this release is from the alto sax; this guy’s got a TONE!
He uses it well in this fusiony release with a core team of Carnell Harrell/p, Mel Brown/b and Eric Valentine/dr. He brings in vocalist Rich Aveo for a dreamy, romantic and warm “Christmas Eve” while his own vocals are nothing to be ashamed of, swinging easy on the R&Bish “Fantasy”, and getting down on the Earth, Wind and Fired stomp of “King of Pop”. His horn is palpably textured, expressive over Valentine’s sleek bass line on “ Secrets” and filled with joy teaming with Harrell, who gets some impressive space of the Stevie Wonder-inspired “The Masquerade”.
The album has a “live” concert feel to it, with Stefanacci’s melodic and improvising ideas never feeling forced. He’s usually seen as a sideman, but judging by this release, he would be welcome in any of LA’s clubs. Hit the road, Jack!