Plays the Music of Pepper Adams

Where saxophonist Dale Fielder's allegiances clearly lay in the hard-to-post-bop mainstream jazz cut, his specific love for Pepper Adams in particular has been publically dormant until now. Armed with an intelligently chosen stack of the late baritone saxophonists headier tunes, Californian Fielder and his quartet, featuring the underappreciated pianist Jane Getz tackles them with great love, affection and aplomb. Of the ten tracks, Fielder plays baritone on seven, and reflects the smoother qualities Adams displayed. While he doesn't have the beefy heft, edginess or bright ideas Detroiter Adams always pronounced, that's OK. What comes out is a genuine and soulful tribute to the style that was singularly Pepper's. The program begins with two classics that set the tone in fine fashion: "Rue Serpente" and "Enchilada Baby," the former a sweet swinger nicely rendered, the latter a well done, over easy relaxed bopper. The final two pieces are originals of Fielder's reflecting Pepper's post-bop days — "Frugal Apathy" is a 6/8 modal piece brimming with emotion and Fielder's personal voice, while "Dimension" displays a more animated and energetic side. In between, Fielder plays a bit of alto or tenor sax, the alto in bossa shadings reminiscent of Richie Cole. Jane Getz (who is not related to, but did perform with Stan Getz) is memorable on the subtle side for the tender ballad "Lovers of Their Time" and "Now in Our Lives." She's a plus-plus player deserving more acclaim in this mellow arena, but she also shows her ability to drive the band harder as Fielder's tenor goes more modern and modal for "I Carry Your Heart." "Boss Allegro" and "Bossa Nouveau" showcase the love Adams had for Brazilian music (inspired by Antonio Carlos Jobim), and although he was not in on the bossa nova craze signified by Stan Getz, Fielder acknowledges it here. Dale Fielder has been bubbling under the surface, playing pleasing jazz but not breaking out. A magnum opus is still pending, but this paean to his hero is one that should be warmly received and recognized. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi