Energy Fields

Ralph Lalama Quartet (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: MIGHTY QUINN
• ASIN: B001E2PQ84
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,361 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Moontrane

2. Buzzy

3. Nonchalant

4. Old Folks

5. Like Someone in Love

6. United

7. Indian Summer

8. Just in Time

9. Blackberry Winter

Editorial Reviews

Tenor saxophonist Ralph Lalama is a veteran of many record dates as a sideman, though he has had relatively few opportunities to record as a leader, something that should be corrected. Energy Fields is his first session of his own for a U.S. label, where the big-toned tenorist is well accompanied by guitarist John Hart (a gifted soloist and leader who is also underrated), bassist Rick Petrone, and drummer Joe Corsello. They negotiate Woody Shaw's post-bop masterpiece "The Moontrane" with skill, as Lalama soars with his potent horn. He adds a bit of dissonance to his explosive take of Charlie Parker's blues riff "Buzzy," sharing the solo spotlight with his musicians. The slightly funky take of the ballad "Old Folks" provides a refreshing approach to this decades-old chestnut. Lalama's majestic tone in the superb arrangements of "Like Someone in Love" and the easygoing "Indian Summer" recall Dexter Gordon at the peak of his powers. The session is wrapped up with a majestic, magical rendition of Alec Wilder's neglected ballad "Blackberry Winter." ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tenor Power, March 29, 2009

By 

Martin Berger "Martin Berger" (Youngstown OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Energy Fields (Audio CD)

Straight-ahead, big-sound tenor saxophone. LaLama's work is familiar to anyone who follows modern jazz; this is another strong quartet release, perhaps a bit looser and more immediate than some. His massive, Hawkins-scale sound comes through particularly well. A good place to start, for listeners unacquainted; one can always work backward in chronology.