Artist: Various Artists
Title: The Big Sax CD
Cat Number: SLAMCD406
Year released: 2009
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5050693229320
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A compilation of contemporary baritone saxophonists from around the world with Carlo Actis Dato (Italy), Charles Evans (USA), George Haslam (UK), Mikko Innanen (Finland), Sergey Letov (Russia) and Javier Zalba (Cuba).
18 original tracks in solo and small ensembles, mostly recorded exclusively for this compilation. Amazingly different artistic approaches to creation on the big sax by 6 masters of the instrument.
“A useful compilation of practitioners from around the world…Solo performance seems to be the essence of baritone playing and the majority of tracks (ranging one to five per artist) are just that, with the remainder adding an accompanist (piano, violin, drums, trumpet, electronics) to form various combinations. Only American Charles Evans is represented in a (pianoless) quartet and Brit George Haslam makes the central statement with pianist Roi Maciaz on “El Puntanito”. But the most offbeat and compelling offering comes from Russia’s Sergey Letov, who layers vocals and electronic effects over his sax to show what can move the baritone into jazz’ 2nd century.” – Jeff Stockton, All About Jazz
“One won’t find any tenors, altos, or sopranos on The Big Sax CD. Of the half-dozen musicians spotlighted here on the baritone saxophone, Carlo Actis Dato is without a doubt the best known. A multi-reedist whose sounds have been heard on over fifty releases he is caught here at his home base performing five pieces “composed in improvisation” on the horn. He attacks the beast ferociously and a couple of his melodies wind up sounding like Italian folk dances. Cadence readers may be aware of the American reedman Charles Evans, since several of his discs on the Hotcup label have been covered in these pages. Like Carlo Actis Dato, all of the numbers heard here are composed by the leader. The lead-off track, “What,” is a nicely swinging FreeBop line with trumpet, bass, and drums while his duet with pianist Shah finds him exploring the upper reaches of his horn. There is a nice quote from Dave Liebman extolling his virtues in the liner booklet.” – Larry Hollis, Cadence
Mastered and mixed by Eric Smith, Monstersound Studios, Oxford.