The Slow Lane

Anton Schwartz

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Antonjazz
• ASIN: B00004KH9G
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #294,158 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The title Anton Schwartz chose for his second release gives a pretty clear indication of the San Francisco tenor saxophonist's approach to jazz: thoughtful, composed, and leisurely. Don't be fooled, however: this approach doesn't necessarily imply that every song must be subtle or quiet. Schwartz's passionate, assured work on his own "Don't Ask" and the gently funky reworking of "Come Rain or Come Shine" is proof that he's not aloof or overly cerebral (despite his standing as a bona-fide intellectual). That said, the most serene moments here are often the most rewarding. On standards like "Born to Be Blue" and Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," he's both tender and sultry. Schwartz offers several beautiful originals as well, including "Then Again" and especially "Peace Dollar"--his crowning achievement--a wonderfully exotic, reflective, and deliberate composition inspired by a performance by (the former Dollar Brand) Abdullah Ibrahim. Schwartz plays with an appealing grace and sophistication that allows him to say very much with very little as the remainder of his quartet listens intently and colors in around him. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passion with an edge, March 2, 2000

By	Sally DeHart (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

The Slow Lane is a an album that makes a strong, conherent musical statement, but never sacrifices music quality for the sake of a "concept". The atmosphere is relaxed but has depth and substance--a strong passion comes through. Schwartz makes every note count; The Slow Lane is a place where less is definitely more. Schwartz's original compositions show the influences of various jazz greats (Abdullah Ibrahim, Wayne Shorter...), just as he manages to make others' compositions his own through novel arrangements and interpretations that respect the original works. And if nothing else, this album is worth owning just for Schwartz's remarkable, substantial sound. Listen to his tone...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the real deal, February 27, 2001

By	Joe Maita (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

folks, all I have to say is that Anton can play...This disc is filled with uplifting, sensitive, quality moments...The world of music is melody and creativity starved, Anton addresses that here...Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars jazz at its finest, August 24, 2000

By	P. Andreatta (Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This artist has an extraordinary sound that is lilting in one moment, moody and introspective in the next, but always with a resonance that lasts beyond the moment. The original compositions show great mastery of the genre, and the covers are performed with suprising turns on what could be familiar phrasing. Every time I listen to this CD, I find more to love about it.