David Kikoski: Phoenix Rising

Vintage mainstream sounds come from pianist and leader David Kikoski as he leads a team with beefy tenor saxist Eric Alexander and the snappy rhythm team of drummer Joe Farnsworth and bassist Peter Washington.

The team jumps out of the gates like Santa Anita Race Track on the aggressive title track, with Alexander’s horn filling the room, and he is big, brawny and bluesy for the fast paced “Kik It.” Kikoski gives a dark hue while Alexander coos on “My One And Only Love” and sizzles with his section mates fo a Latinized “Willow Weep For Me.” Chiming on “If I Were A Bell” he gives lovely pastels on “Wichita Lineman” and without Alexander his floats like a morning mist on “Emily.” Tasty like a cream puff, but bold with the dark chocolate covering.

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