Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship - BlueBari Jam (2007)

Will Scruggs' second CD as a leader (and first for a widely distributed label) shows tremendous growth. Alternating between baritone and tenor saxes, Scruggs is accompanied by a terrific band, including pianist Brian Hogans, bassist Zack Pride, and drummer Marlon Patton. His furious riff tune "Swingin' to the Left" suggests a throwback to the early days of bop, adding a brief tag "Foe Killer" featuring the rhythm section. Trombonist Wes Funderburk is added for the funky shuffle "BlueBari Jam."Scruggs' love of reggae is displayed in his thoughtful arrangement of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" (where he switches to tenor) and a surprising duet on soprano with guitarist Sid Wolf of Peter Tosh's "Till Your Well Runs Dry." The loping blues "Willy's Little Men," adding guitarist Chris Duarte, nicely rounds out Will Scruggs' compelling CD.

{about him} An incredible young talent is taking charge! Will Scruggs has worked with a host of diverse artists ranging from Natalie Cole and Audrey Shakir to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and has shared stages with Charlie Hunter, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. The band, which features some of the Southeast¯s hottest musicians, includes Chris Duarte, a preeminent blues guitarist who was voted in fourth place for Guitar World’s Best Guitarist in the Guitar World readers’ poll.