David Schumacher - Every Corner (1993)

Baritone saxophonist David Schumacher assembled a strong rhythm section to back him for this strong recording debut as a leader. There are surprisingly few baritone saxophonists around these days playing straight ahead jazz, making the appeal of this recording all the greater. Every Corner features eight pieces, almost all of which Schumacher either wrote or had a hand in arranging. The music has a decidedly upbeat feel, and even the slower pieces never drag. The opener, "Lucky in the Park," and the closer, "Skleena's Dog," are laced with a Latin feel, adding congas, bongos, and chekere to an already sizzling unit. Throughout, the saxophonist is given plenty of time to stretch, and he boasts a solid mastery of the bebop vocabulary. The sole standard, "Just Friends," is played with a marked respect for tradition. Never prone to showmanship or bombastics, Every Corner delivers on almost every level. If it does not break any new ground, it nonetheless succeeds as wonderfully tight and energetic jazz with an invigorating edge.