Tenor Treats

Both Ari Ambrose and Stephen Riley have recorded extensively for Steeplechase, so producer Nils Winther figured it was time to put them together on a record date, emulating many such two tenor sax meetings throughout modern jazz history. With bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Matt Wilson, two veterans of numerous Steeplechase recordings (in addition to their extensive work for other labels), Winther selected a mix of standards and familiar jazz compositions that he thought stimulate the musicians, with their approval. Sonny Rollins' blues "Tenor Madness" is an excellent starting point, featuring each of the players in turn as well as engaging in stimulating teamwork. They work to create a single voice in the enchanting take of Joe Henderson's "Punjab," while their conversational exchanges in Thelonious Monk's "Let's Cool One" is an obvious highlight. Their lyrical handling of "You've Changed" whispers its message, contrasting with the jaunty, rather hip setting of "On the Sunny Side of the Street." This is a fun date that merits a follow-up meeting.