On this album tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart looks at jazz
compositions from the ‘50s and ‘60s, in the company of bassist Paul Sikivie and
drummer Philip Stewart. They are able to conjure a wide range of emotions from
the classic material without sounding anachronistic or timebound themselves. “A
Time to Smile” opens the album with a bright and comfortable medium tempo swing
feel. Stewart has a confident saxophone style and leads the band in a modern
fashion, before letting go for a fine bass solo and then returning to trade
ideas with the drummer and taking the tune out. Propulsive bass and drums
launch “Everything I Love” with Stewart responding with a darker saxophone tone,
moving from short, choppy phrases to longer lines that are string out behind
some wonderful bass playing. “I’ll Never Be the Same” is a lush ballad with Stewart
building and developing a very large and all encompassing saxophone tone.
Patient bass and subtle brushes provide excellent accompaniment and have fine
solo spots of their own. The band comes back together at the end developing a
haunted ballad of late night emotional longing. Led by thick bass and drums,
“This is New” allows Stewart to move his saxophone forward and lead the group
to a strong and deep performance. That thick carpet of bass and drums allows
him to dig in and really blow, then bowing out for a well earned bass and drums
section, and then re-entering for another saxophone and drums sign off. “I
Surrender Dear” is a standard ballad that is taken in a patient and thoughtful
manner led by soft saxophone and brushes. Well articulated bass and percussion
leads to a respectful rendition of this song and another masterful bass solo
before both Stewarts return to bring the song to a close. A punchy propulsive
feel permeates “Uranus” where a fast and choppy beginning resolves into uptempo
swing with nicely engaged saxophone. The full band works well together with
Stweart’s steely saxophone in the lead, before Sikivie has another opportunity
to shine, soloing at length and bringing the saxophone and drums back to the
ending melody. While the trio is certainly not reinventing the wheel here, they
are a fine group producing dignified and accessible music that will certainly
find an audience among mainstream jazz fans. Grant Stewart works well without
another instrument on the front line with him but Paul Sikivie was a revelation
to me because his bass playing, both supporting and soloing was just excellent.
Trio - amazon.com
