Category: Reviews

Cincinnati based baritone saxophonist, Larry Dickson sent us another album, . Much like the first one, this album has an excellent mix of songs. About half originals and a mix of standards, lesser known composers, and a Strayhorn-Ellington piece. The arrangements are very swinging and tasteful, the band’s playing and the recording quality is quite professional. I especially enjoyed Larry’s originals compositions. They have the feeling of classic swinging tunes, but are completely new to the ear.

Trombonist, Bill Gemmer has a number of really great solo moments as well, with an excellent mix of beautiful tone and plenty of agility on the trombone. Larry’s playing at times reminds me very favorably of Ronnie Cuber, especially on Weep. Mulligan fans will recognize this tune as one of the more memorable from the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band. And other times I am reminded of Gary Smulyan’s deep edged tone, but really what we’re hearing is Larry’s sound that has been honed through years of dedication to the baritone saxophone in a jazz setting. And for that we are grateful. If you get a chance, I’d recommend getting a copy of “Summergold Promises” for yourself and any fan of the jazz baritone sax.

Alden Banta is a fantastic baritone saxophonist and doubler (many times over) in the New York City area. He plays just about all of the woodwinds and can often be seen inhabiting the pit at a Broadway musical, or holding down the baritone chair in some of the city’s finest big bands. On top of all that he is busy with another new little project – his Banta Box.

I recently ordered one of his Banta Boxes from him. These are small open-topped wood boxes that very securely clip onto a music stand (see the pictures below). They are perfect for keeping all of the little accessories that often float about a music stand in a convenient location – reeds, caps, phones, pencils, metronomes, tuners, headphones, …beverages? If you suffer from WMS (Wandering Metronome Syndrome) like I do, then this accessory will really help.

After living with and using the Banta Box for a couple weeks now I am thrilled with it. It keeps the music stand clear of everything that would normally be constantly falling off or blocking the music and keeps me focused on the task at hand. The construction is quite sturdy, yet the whole thing is very light. While its a little large to travel with to every gig, for an at home music stand or perhaps longer engagement (especially one that involves doubles) its a valuable tool. The felt on the bottom of the inside is an especially nice touch as it prevents any noise and clanking when dropping things in,

They are individually signed and numbered, and built to order by Alden himself. He offers two sizes 6×12 and 6×15, and you can even pick the color of the felt.

If you’re interested in one contact Alden – abanta71 @ gmail.com

– Andrew Hadro
Curator, JazzBariSax.com

A reader and fellow baritone saxophonist, Larry Dickson, recently sent us a copy of his new album, “Second Springtime”. Larry seems to have a vast knowledge of the baritone saxophone and its various practitioners and it shows through the varied song selection on the album. There is everything from original music, to a Pepper Adams composition, some Ellington, and even a beautiful ballad that you may have heard Mulligan and co perform on the album “What Is There to Say?”.

Definitely worth a listen from all fans of the baritone saxophone. Its available on Larry’s CD Baby page.

Baritone saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Brian Landrus has recently released a new album titled “The Deep Below”. It features him on the low range of woodwinds, baritone sax, bass sax, bass clarinet and bass flute. This release comes shortly after Brian’s tie with Chris Cheek for Rising Star in the Downbeat Critic Polls.

Definitely an album worth giving some attention to. Check it out on amazon!

Baritone saxophonist Adrian Barnett has released a new album called “It’s About Time”. Its got a lot great arrangements of original composition, mostly swinging but in a variety of different feels and approaches. And of course, lots of great solo work on the baritone.

With him are also a few other horn players, alto/tenor, trumpet and trombone and  a nice rhythm section that does well in both a straight ahead set up and different configurations with organ and electric bass as well.

We highly suggest you head on over to Adrian’s website and have a listen. Always nice to hear some fresh writing and arranging that features the baritone.

Claire Daly’s Mary Joyce project is full of great music, and an incredible back story to boot.
“Saxophonist Claire Daly has always been a true original and, as it turns out, part of that is in her DNA. Mary Joyce Project: Nothing To Lose is a musical/genealogical journey through the life of Daly’s father’s first cousin, Mary Joyce, who lived her life the way she wanted to, rather than succumbing to societal expectations for women during the ’30s and beyond. As the press materials note, “She satisfied a restless and courageous spirit with a wide range of adventurous exploits—Hollywood actress, nurse, stewardess, bush pilot, and bar owner. She was the first non-native Alaskan to dogsled the 1000 mile run between Juneau and Fairbanks (in 1936), the first ham radio operator in the Alaskan Territories, and the only woman to run supplies for the Allies by dogsled in World War II.” ”
Read the rest of the description on AllAboutJazz.com

And check out a live performance of the music:

Grab the album from Claire’s website too!

Charles Evans’ last album garnered a rare 5 star review from DownBeat magazine. His newest album looks to be no less impressive. It features Charles along with fellow saxophonist Dave Liebman.

To celebrate the new release there is a CD release party at ShapeShifterLab in Brooklyn.

Be sure to check out this new album, and head to the CD release party for some excellent baritone saxophone performances.