LOVANO, JOE

Personnel: Joe Lovano (soprano, straight alto & tenor saxophones, alto clarinet); Dave Holland (bass); Elvin Jones (drums).

Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York on September 16 & 17, 1997. Includes liner notes by Joe Lovano and Willard Jenkins.

Few saxophonists can fill up the enormous space afforded the members of a trio. Without the support of a chordal instrument, like piano or guitar, it can be a challenge for a horn man to lead an ensemble through difficult changes and a treacherous modal terrain. Not so for Joe Lovano: his huge tone and robust approach hold weighty presence on this exceptional session. Masterfully supported by veterans Dave Holland (bass) and the legendary Elvin Jones (drums), Lovano's musical statement is so complete that we forget that this is a trio.

Blowing a full compliment of saxophones, Lovano is clearly in no danger of losing pace on stunning readings like "New York Fascination" and the swinging "Studio Rivbea." Holland's earthy bass deftly compliments Lovano's lines on the dark ballad "Sanctuary Park" as well as straight-ahead swingers like "4 On The Floor." Jones, of course, is a powerhouse all the way through as he swirls and careens through each piece like a freight train, laying into the cymbals on "Cymbalism" and dynamically whirling through the mysterious "Impressionistic." In all, this is a fascinating session that will leave the listener with a new appreciation for the modern trio.

This is an import product, and as such may take longer to source stock, we estimate that despatch will take 35-40 days after ordering, click here for more information regarding import products.