Jeff Hackworth - Soul to Go (2014)

Tracklist

01. Soul to Go!
02. Autumn Nocturne
03. The Feeling of Jazz
04. Wise One
05. Blues in a Few
06. Little Girl Blue
07. Live and Learn
08. Under a Strayhorn Sky
09. Vaya Con Dios



The big, warm and soulful sound of New York City saxophonist Jeff Hackworth is backed by a stellar rhythm section in the classic organ quartet format. The album kicks off with the first of Jeff's four original tunes, the uptempo blues-infused title track "Soul To Go!". His other compositions, the driving 'Blues in a Few", the 3/4 time "Live and Learn" and the angular "Under a Strayhorn Sky" show that in both his playing and writing a strong sense of melody is always at the forefront.

As he says "That's always the test to me, whether it's a song I'm thinking of performing or one of my own.tunes , I want a melody that reaches out and pulls you in. i feel the same way about improvising. I want it to be melodic and inviting."

The album includes a relaxed turn on Duke's "The Feeling of Jazz" a swinging take on "Vaya Con Dios" as well as a fresh reworking of Coltrane's "Wise One" . The two ballads showcase Jeff's warm tone. His interpretation of "Autumn Nocturne" fully captures the melancholy nature of the song and the interplay of his tenor with guitarist Ed Cherry on "Little Girl Blue" is of particular note.

The sidemen are all leaders in their own right with recordings under their own names. Their support and solo contributions are consistently of the highest musical level.. Ed Cherry on guitar is best known for his long tenure with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. His masterful solos and sensitive comping are a delight. Radam Schwartz on organ provides strong chordal support as well as energetic solos. His resume' includes stints with Arthur Prysock, Al Hibbler and David "Fathead" Newman. Vince Ector on drums is the engine behind the groove. Vince has provided his fantastic rhythmic pulse for jazz legends including Charles Earland and Randy Weston.

With Hackworth's strong voice in front and this top-shelf backing "Soul To Go!" is jazz at it's best!

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