| The venerable trio tradition has long been viewed as a proving ground for the talents of upcoming tenor saxophonists. Thrust into the spotlight with minimal accompaniment, the stripped-down setting provides microscopic attention to an improviser's melodic ingenuity, harmonic subtlety and sense of rhythm; free of harmonic restraints, there is no room for error.
His seventh release as a leader, Recommended Tools is tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin's first trio session, and his first recording for part-time employer, trumpeter Dave Douglas' Greenleaf Music. According to Douglas, “I asked Donny McCaslin to write and record the Great American Tenor Trio record, half jokingly. Well, he delivered, with a stunning set of music.” On par with some of the best albums made in this format, this date offers ample proof of McCaslin's improvisational mettle. Continue reading at ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM. |