Joe Lovano is at it again. Or should I say, was at it in 2005 with his stellar quartet performing at the Newport Jazz Festival. 11 years later, Blue Note is releasing select tracks from this fantastic set featuring Hank Jones on piano, George Mraz on bass, and the ever present Lewis Nash on drums.
I have to make a confession that Joe Lovano is one of my all time favorite saxophonists and I have been eagerly awaiting this release. I am pleased to say that this record is everything that I hoped it would be and more. Joe is his classic, fiery self on the saxophone and continues to display why he is widely acclaimed as one of the top tenor men of this generation. Joe has a way of playing the language but in his own unique way that keeps you coming back for more. He sounds scary good on this selection of tunes and delivers everything you would come to expect from him.
Joe and the late, great Hank Jones collaborated quite a bit before the pianist’s passing in 2010. Hank is also one of my favorite piano players and his unique sound approach to the instrument is a joy to listen to. One of the highlights of the record is Hank’s playing on his brother’s composition, “Kids Are Pretty People.” The lineage of the Jones family is not new to any jazz fan, but on this tune you can almost feel Hank’s connection to his brother.
The rhythm section rounds out with the great Mraz on bass and Nash on drums. These two have been longtime cohorts of Lovano and you can feel how comfortable Joe is playing with them.
Overall, “Classic!” is a great record that should be a part of any Lovano fan’s record collection. Thanks to Blue Note records for letting us revisit years past and releasing this great moment in time. I only wish I could have been there in 2005 to witness it for myself!
Joe Lovano Quartet: Classic! (Live At Newport)
Blue Note Records
- Big Ben
- Bird’s Eye View
- Don’t Ever Leave Me
- I’m All For You
- Kids Are Pretty People
- Six and Four
Grab your copy today!
Talk Soon,
Nick
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