Talking about challenges! Miles Davis’ original mono recording of the famous “original’ mix of big band and jazz horn from 50+ years ago just got reissued, and a couple of other horn players like Dave Liebman and Lew Soloff have recently attempted this climb up Mt. Olympus to find the jazz gods. What Payton has to offer is an incredibly clear and pristine tone on his horn that runs circles around Davis’ version, and the supporting cast of the Sinfonie Orchester Basel is warm and glossy. The brass’ frame work around “Will O The Wisp” is like silk curtains, while the drive on “Solea” brings echoes of Africa with some rumbling drums and Payton’s horn sounding like either a Shofar or didgeridoo. The colors have impressive depth here, more like an oil painting to the original water color
BMF Records