Big sounds from the
big horn! Baritone saxophone giant Adam
Schroeder's Let's brings together a
modern day master with guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff
Hamilton set for release on June 17 from Capri Records.
It's always news
when an immensely gifted baritone saxophonist like Adam Schroeder releases a
recording. Why the baritone - the mighty warhorse of the saxophone family, a
horn capable of expressive majesty whether delving deep in the low register or
careening in the tonal stratosphere - should have so few present day high
profile players is anyone's guess. Still, it's obvious that with the release of
Let's - Schroeder's second album as a leader - a mesmerizing baritone virtuoso,
one capable of bringing newly deserved exposure to his instrument, is poised to
make his mark. Making the most of a gorgeously full bodied tone and a
commanding technique that allows him to both burrow deep and to soar, Schroeder
reflects the best of such past masters of his instrument as Gerry Mulligan,
Serge Chaloff and Pepper Adams, and such dazzling contemporary practitioners as
Gary Smulyan and Ronnie Cuber. With expert support from guitarist Anthony
Wilson, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, Schroeder glides
through a thoroughly pleasurable mainstream program that trains its spotlight
on his inspired improvising as well as his engaging and well-crafted originals.
Durable tunes by Duke Pearson, Thad Jones, Benny Carter, along with the sturdy
standards, "Wrap Your Trouble In Dreams" and "In the Middle of a
Kiss," and Stevie Wonder's R&B classic, "You and I (We Can Conquer
the World)" round out a memorable recording that wisely places its faith
in melodic swing.
"Melodies!" Schroeder emphatically
states when speaking of the criteria that he used in selecting his non-original
material. "Each of the songs written by others had to have great melodies
first and foremost. These are tunes that make you smile when you first hear
them, and then reveal their compositional and harmonic depth the more you
listen to them. They also offer vast freedom of expression for everyone to
improvise on." Schroeder's own pieces, the funky, "Just Clap Your
Hands," the alluring mid-tempo ballad, "Patience Endurance, Steady
Hope" and the swinging, "A Hawkeye, A Hoosier & Two Cali
Cats" among them, possess similarly attractive traits to the more
recognizable fare. Whether seasoned or original, each piece allows Schroeder to
display his stupendous gifts and to musically meld with his distinguished band
mates. "It's awe-inspiring to work with legends like John Clayton and Jeff
Hamilton, as it is to play with a great younger player like Anthony Wilson.
Musicians like them just want you to succeed. Although you might want to place
experienced players like John and Jeff on a pedestal, that's the last place
they want to be. They make you feel like part of a family. For them, the music becomes
all important."
While a horn and
guitar front line may be atypical, Schroeder felt that it was the right fit
"sonically -- the timbre of the baritone with that of the guitar works
better as far as I'm concerned, than an a baritone and a piano might. That
combination can get too muddy."
Although originally
a bebop-obsessed alto saxophonist, Schroeder, an Iowa native, switched to
baritone in his later high school years. While still in school, Schroeder had
the opportunity to play in the college band at Clark Terry's International
Institute of Jazz Studies. Among the prestigious artists that the Los
Angeles-based baritone virtuoso subsequently performed with over the ensuing
decades are Ray Charles, Louie Bellson, Jack Nimitz, Diana Krall, Sting, John Pizzarelli,
Chris Botti, Bob Mintzer, Bennie Wallace and Clark Terry, who remains a friend
and mentor. Schroeder - whose first album A Handful Of Stars was released on
Capri Records in 2010 - is currently associated with, among others, the
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Thanks for the post and for the review! Adam Schroeder
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