Teodross Avery - My Generation (1996)

Jazz saxophonist Teodross Avery is only in his early 20s, but he has already graduated from the Berklee School of Music and recorded two major-label albums. Unlike so many young Marsalis acolytes with an academic background, however, Avery isn't tied to a conservative vision of jazz history. This album contains elements of funk, fusion, hip-hop, and free-jazz, and that's why he called it My Generation. This modern eclecticism wouldn't matter a bit if Avery weren't able to incorporate these ingredients into swinging, bluesy solos or if he weren't able to project such a gutsy, distinctive voice on his tenor and soprano saxes. He joins James Carter and Joshua Redman as the most promising saxophonists of their generation. In any setting, Avery displays a remarkable discipline for one so young, preferring to play the few notes that matter rather than show off his speed. --Geoffrey Himes