Gary Bartz - Shadows (1991) [2015 Timeless Jazz Master Collection] CD-Rip

Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. Comes with a descripton in Japanese. The 90s were a really wonderful decade for reedman Gary Bartz – a time when he seemed to go back to basics, and find a way to open up whole new corners in his music! This album's a key illustration of that moment – as Bartz blows with a sense of darkly brooding power that we never would have expected a decade or two before – this deep sense of pacing and tone that often has us looking to make sure he's not blowing a tenor, instead of the alto and soprano sax listed in the notes.

A big part of the album's strength comes from the rest of the group – particularly the solid, soulful rhythm work of Benny Green on piano, Christian McBride on bass, and Victor Lewis on drums – younger players who really help reinvent Bartz for the decade. Willie Williams is also in the quintet on tenor – blowing almost as deeply as Gary – and titles include great versions of McCoy Tyner's "Children Of The Night" and "Peresina", and Coltrane's "Song Of The Underground Railroad" – as well as a surprisingly nice reading of "Holiday For Strings", done here as a real alto workout!

Tracks:

01 - Marion's Theme
02 - Shadows
03 - Songs Of The Underground Railroad
04 - Peresina
05 - How Do You Keep The Music Playing
06 - Children Of The Night
07 - Holiday For Strings

Personnel:

Gary Bartz - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
Willie Williams - tenor saxophone
Benny Green - piano
Christian McBride - bass
Victor Lewis - drums