You usually associate solo recordings with instruments like guitar or piano, but tenor saxist Derek Brown throws down the gauntlet on this album that mixes jazz, funk, classical and even doo wop in a fascinating display.
I’m not sure if he overdubs; if not, he uses his slap-tonguing technique and use of the sax pads in an eyepopping fashion of keeping the rhythm flowing. His own “Catch’em Up” and ”The People’s Tune” sound like a one man band. He creates an incessant pocket on Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” and shows he can swing during an irresistible “I Got Rhythm.” He gives a street corner symphony on “Stand By Me,” delivers a bel canto “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and goes for baroque on Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1” I’d love to see what he does in the confines of a jazz combo; maybe this is his calling card. It’s a good one.