Customer Reviews

Urban Dreams

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A lot of baritone sax-led recordings add a higher register woodwind or brass instrument to the front line to make the recording a little brighter. On this quartet recording, Pepper Adams proves that the baritone sax can front a piano/bass/drums rhythm section without the overall tone sliding into murkiness. Dexter Gordon's "Dexter Rides Again" opens the recording and on it Pepper Adams demonstrates how the allegedly cumbersome baritone sax can be just as versatile and bright-sounding as the other, lighter members of the saxophone family. Bassist George Mraz takes the first of several solos that are scattered thoughout this program. Most bassists only get a solo or two as a sideman, so it's a testament to Mraz melodic skills that he is called upon so many times to step up to the front on this recording. "Urban Dreams", a Pepper Adams composition, is a slow ballad that conjures images of dark streets, wet from recent rains and bathed in lamplight. Things occasionally get tense, but everything smooths out in the end.

"Three Little Words" starts off with a roar, then unexpectly falls into a loose loping swing featuring a short solo from Mraz. before drummer Billy Hart and Adams start trading fours in doubletime. After that, Hart rockets this number at breakneck speed. This is Hart's feature on the recording and he proves himself to be a highly kinetic drummer. The standard, "Time Is On My Hands", is taken at midtempo and features nicely melodic solos from pianist Jimmy Rowles and bassist Mraz. As Adams comes in with his solo he quotes from the song "Witchcraft" so effectively you'd think that was the song they were playing all along.

On Sonny Rollins' "Pent Up House" Adams proves how quick and responsive the baritone sax can be in the right hands. Except for the times when he plumbs the depths of the baritone's range Adam's solo sounds as though it were being played on a raspy tenor sax. Even at the quick tempo, there's no sluggishness from the baritone sax. "Trentino", another Adams original, changes from style to style, from ballad, to a walking bass swing, to a subdued bossa nova. It gives the listener a little bit of everything before the recording ends. A very satisfying recording and a must-have for all students and admirers of the baritone sax.

This is a fine album on the obscure Palo Alto label. If you can get the vinyl their stuff was great. But this is a good transfer on 24bit cd. Trentino and Time on My Hands are wonderful. Having Rowles and Mraz is great frosting and Billy Hart is tasteful and in the pocket. Definitely a buy! Enjoy.