| JazzReview.Com: Trombonist Sarah Morrow holds the distinction of having been the first female instrumentalist to tour with Ray Charles, but the emphasis there should really be placed on instrumentalist rather than female, because she's an impressively strong and soulful player, regardless of gender. On Standards And Other Stories, her second release as a leader on the French label RDC Records, she demonstrates a level of talent that gives her a solid spot in the lineage of trombonists like J.J. Johnson and Steve Turre, both of whom she counts as inspirations.
She calls on the services of a variety of sidemen in a variety of settings, from the trombone and piano duet of Ellington's "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" (with Victor Atkins) to a seven piece ensemble on Mingus' "Moanin'", which features a front line including both David Murray and Jesse Davis on saxophones and Steve Lefebvre on trumet, along with Morrow's trombone. In the process, she demonstrates chops as an arranger that are every bit as impressive as those she possesses as a player. On top of that, four of the tracks on the disc are Morrow originals, and they hold their own impressively amidst material by Ellington, Mingus, Gillespie, Monk and other masters.
Morrow has included a wide range of material, from standard ballads to classic bebop and beyond, and shows a full command of her instrument in every setting. This release should establish her among the front rank of young leaders in the jazz world. |
ARTISTS
Sarah Morrow (trombone), Jesse Davis (alto sax), David Murray (tenor sax), Victor Atkins (piano), Clarence Seay (bass), Donald Edwards (drums), Anne Ducros (vocal), Steve Lefebvre (trumpet) |