Search - Warne Marsh, Lou Levy :: A Ballad Album

An overlooked gem

Mark N. Russell | Rochester, N.Y. | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Warne Marsh spent far too long on the wrong coast and dogged by his youthful association with the hermetic Lennie Tristano. Why not just slip this into the disc player? The lightly burred tone and Marsh's interest in the harmonic underpinnings of these standards result in something far beyond a romantic outlining of these melodies. A word also for Lou Levy who accompanied both Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald, and it shows! Levy's intro to "Spring Is Here" sets the listener up for Warne's stunning improv. Other stand-out cuts include "Emily" and the opener "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby." Actually, every cut is outstanding. If this doesn't both move you and please your aesthetic senses, you might really be suffering."

A Great Introduction to a Jazz Giant!

Bruce Armstrong | Long Beach, CA United States | 12/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Warne Marsh has almost been forgotten by the jazz media and most jazz fans since his death at age 60 in 1987, but the fact remains that he was one of the "purest" jazz improvisors who ever lived--a giant of the tenor saxophone. A disciple of jazz pianist/"guru" Lennie Tristano--along with fellow (alto) saxophonist Lee Konitz--Warne's unique approach to improvisation was coupled with virtuoso technique and a harmonic knowledge that bordered on genius. He was overshadowed by Konitz when both were alive,but a recording such as this shows that he stood second to no one as an improvisor. Warne concentrates on standard ballads in this recording, and this makes for a wonderful--and accessible--introduction to his style for first-time listeners or those who may have thought his music "too intellectual." CD highlights include Warne's treatment of "How High The Moon," "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "Time On My Hands." Highly recommended!"