The Overcomer's Suite

Jimmy Greene is a fine saxophonist who studied with Jackie McLean and played with Horace Silver; he’s also released a number of solo albums since his 2000 major label debut, Brand New World. Greene has a full-bodied sound that brings to mind John Coltrane, and his compositions draw from the classic jazz sounds of the ‘60s. On The Overcomer’s Suite, a 2008 digital-only release, he leads a fully sympathetic band: pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Kendrick Scott. The album, which was recorded at a live show in Hartford, Connecticut, is made up of the title cut — a lengthy four-part suite — plus two other pieces and video files of a live performance and an interview. Greene burns brightly on soprano sax on the suite’s second section, “Song for Isaiah,” a piece written for the musician’s son. The opener, “Anthem of Hope,” a tribute to the visionary Ornette Coleman, finds Greene displaying a masterful command of tenor sax. The album’s penultimate track is a moving version of Bud Powell’s “I’ll Keep Loving You” where finely accompanied by Davis on piano, Greene makes a strong statement.