Harold Danko - Oatts & Perry II

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 67:31
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

( 7:51)  1. Ain't Nothin' Nu
( 7:30)  2. Blue Swedish Wildflower
( 8:48)  3. Suspended Sentence
( 6:18)  4. Soon
( 7:12)  5. Chest Frenzy
( 9:25)  6. Gregory Is Here
( 9:58)  7. Sid's Ahead
(10:27)  8. I Remember You

Harold Danko met alto saxophonist Dick Oatts and tenor saxophonist Rich Perry while all three were members of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Over the years, they have had opportunities to play together, with Perry and Danko appearing on each other's CDs a number of times and a successful 2005 record date entitled Oatts & Perry. So it was only natural that the pianist desired to have both reedmen together for a follow-up recording, which took place in early 2009, adding Danko's regular bassist, Michael Formanek, and drummer, Jeff Hirschfield. It is hardly surprising that the three men would have an affinity for the music of Thad Jones, and the late drummer's driving, rarely recorded "Ain't Nothin' Nu" proves to be a great opener, with terrific solos all around. Danko's "Blue Swedish Wildflower" might sound like a Wayne Shorter piece to the uninitiated, but this lovely work was written back in the 1970s when the pianist was playing with Jones and Lewis. Formanek's understated solo and the intricate harmonies of the two saxes in the ensembles make this ballad glisten. Shorter is represented with his demanding "Suspended Sentence" (a demanding work penned for a Lee Morgan session), with solid interplay by the saxophonists. Horace Silver's "Gregory Is Here" is another forgotten gem, with great support by the rhythm section. Standards aren't ignored, represented by an intimate setting of Richard Rodgers' "Soon" and a lengthy exploration of "I Remember You" that has Oatts showing a bit of influence from Lee Konitz. This rewarding date should lead to future studio reunions of the full quintet. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/oatts-perry-vol-2-mw0002014016

Personnel: Dick Oatts (alto saxophone); Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Harold Danko (piano); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Oatts & Perry II

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