Time: 63:49
Size: 146.1 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front
[8:23] 1. Tippin' Point
[6:00] 2. Allegra
[6:18] 3. Yamazaki
[6:47] 4. Velvet Figurine
[6:37] 5. The Night We Called It A Day
[6:26] 6. Encantada
[6:39] 7. The Gravy Train
[4:03] 8. Countdown
[6:07] 9. Ann's Lament
[6:23] 10. Nature Boy
Andrew Beals: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, flute; Mike McGuirk: bass; Keith Saunders: piano; Neal Smith: drums.
Playing a set of tunes composed primarily of originals, Beals has chosen to break out of the B3-based mold, and along with producer and drummer Neal Smith, to construct a band that showcases his spirit. Here, Beals' saxophone is in the context of a killer quartet that provides a forum for him to stretch out and revel in new found freedom. Pianist Keith Saunders and bassist Mike McGuirk round out this fine foursome. A New York City staple for the last 20-plus years, and a leader in his own right of the intensely swinging NY HardBop Quintet, Saunders is Beals' soul mate on this journey. With creds including study with Horace Silver, Saunders is most capable of adding short shots of deliciously funky juice or joining Beals for hard bopping flights of fancy. Their communion is one of many factors that sets The Gravy Train apart from the scores of releases that are bleak exhibitions of hollow technique.
While Beals and Saunders combine to form this music's soul and psyche, its heart lies in the rhythm section. Smith is well known for his new brand of textural modern swing as well as a production style that allows for a broad open sound. He joins with McGuirk, a great young musician from the world renowned North Texas State jazz program. A winner of the prestigious International Society of Bassists jazz competition, McGuirk is a much in demand NYC bassist who straddles jazz genres. He has performed and recorded with musicians as varied as saxophonist David Liebman and guitarist John Abercrombie.
Playing a set of tunes composed primarily of originals, Beals has chosen to break out of the B3-based mold, and along with producer and drummer Neal Smith, to construct a band that showcases his spirit. Here, Beals' saxophone is in the context of a killer quartet that provides a forum for him to stretch out and revel in new found freedom. Pianist Keith Saunders and bassist Mike McGuirk round out this fine foursome. A New York City staple for the last 20-plus years, and a leader in his own right of the intensely swinging NY HardBop Quintet, Saunders is Beals' soul mate on this journey. With creds including study with Horace Silver, Saunders is most capable of adding short shots of deliciously funky juice or joining Beals for hard bopping flights of fancy. Their communion is one of many factors that sets The Gravy Train apart from the scores of releases that are bleak exhibitions of hollow technique.
While Beals and Saunders combine to form this music's soul and psyche, its heart lies in the rhythm section. Smith is well known for his new brand of textural modern swing as well as a production style that allows for a broad open sound. He joins with McGuirk, a great young musician from the world renowned North Texas State jazz program. A winner of the prestigious International Society of Bassists jazz competition, McGuirk is a much in demand NYC bassist who straddles jazz genres. He has performed and recorded with musicians as varied as saxophonist David Liebman and guitarist John Abercrombie.
Gravy Train mc
Gravy Train zippy