Joe Temperley - Concerto For Joe (1995)

Joe Temperley's thick-toned baritone and swing-oriented style is heard at its best on this CD, his definitive release. Temperley's huge sound sometimes makes it seem as if he is playing a bass sax rather than a baritone, yet his fluidity is on the level of an altoist. He performs seven selections (including four Duke Ellington songs) with a talented quartet headed by pianist Brian Lemon and a six-song suite by the late trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar with an 11-piece group; the latter also features fine solos from altoist Peter King and trumpeter Gerard Presencer. The swinging music is all straight-ahead with appealing chord changes, serving as an inspiration for the underrated baritonist. Recommended.~Concerto for Joe Review by Scott Yanow