Baritonality

In the proud tradition of Serge Chaloff, Gerry Mulligan, Pepper Adams, and Gary Smulyan, baritone saxophonist Roger Rosenberg has faithfully executed his duties over four decades of performing mainstream jazz. This recording celebrates his years of service by showcasing his talents as a leader apart from his time as a reliable sideman, with help from ex-Sonny Rollins pianist Mark Soskin, longtime Billy Taylor bassist Chip Jackson, and drummer Jeff Brillinger, whose credits with Chet Baker among others are notable. Though not exclusive to the bari sax, Rosenberg also plays a little soprano sax and bass clarinet, but on the big burly horn, he easily rates among the very best. This CD is produced by Walter Becker, who has employed Rosenberg for many years in the Steely Dan horn section, not the first time for Becker to do this — please remember the great Warner Brothers album Apogee, co-led by Pete Christlieb and Warne Marsh. This program is laden with Rosenberg's originals, including two exciting modal-based pieces, the title track with its commanding bassline buoying a fluent and effusive baritone moving into bop, and the probing piano of Soskin taking the group into hard swinging neo-bop during "The 8th Day." A strummed groove bassline in 7/8 time identifies the funky-and-punchy-to-free duo performance of "43rd Street Mama," the whole quartet plays a quite pleasant and patient "Three for B" completely bereft of anxiety, while a scattered, frenetic attitude permeates "Birds & Tranes" for contrast. Rosenberg's bass clarinet for "Mike" works with Soskin on a ballad, his soprano swirls in lyrical splendor for "Paradox," and he plays solo baritone for the free, suggested melody in the standard tones of "Someone to Watch Over Me." Guitarist Peter Bernstein joins Rosenberg for a duet on the standard "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," with Jackson joining in late. A well-rounded effort, and long overdue as a statement by Rosenberg as a leader, this recording comes highly recommended for students and fans of the deeply hued horn that over the years has had far too few champions. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi