LOVANO, JOE

Personnel: Joe Lovano (saxophone); Hank Jones (piano); George Mraz (bass); Paul Motian (drums).

Personnel: Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); Hank Jones (piano); George Mraz (double bass); Paul Motian (drums, cymbals).

Liner Note Author: Ira Gitler.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, New York (06/11/2003 - 06/12/2003).

Joe Lovano's big-toned tenor saxophone (think John Coltrane in the '50s, or Sonny Rollins, as reference points) has graced many diverse jazz contexts. From soul-jazz (Lonnie Smith) to straight-ahead big band (Woody Herman, Mel Lewis) to freer, edgier situations (Paul Motian), the adaptable Lovano has excelled in all these while remaining true to himself. In his career as a leader, Lovano rarely repeats himself: he's recorded unique tribute albums to inspirations as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Enrico Caruso, and Tadd Dameron.

With I'M ALL FOR YOU--which could be subtitled "Lovano Plays For Lovers"--Lovano takes it easy, after a fashion. While the program is all classic ballads ("Like Someone In Love," "Don't Blame Me") taken at languid, late-night tempos, the level of focus and invention are remarkable as ever. Lovano and his crew--including legends Hank Jones (concise and sublime on piano) and drummer Paul Motian (crisp, subtly swinging, impressionistic)--respect these melodies but also strive to re-invent them, and that they do, with a sense of adventure and more than just a touch of class.

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