Album DescriptionOriginally influenced by bebop hero Charlie Parker, Charlie Mariano has carved his own haunting style on the alto sax through stints with Stan Kenton, Charles Mingus, and many others. At age 83, he is one of the most unique, versatile, and creative voices in jazz. On his newest album, Mariano plays with his favorite European rhythm section, the Cholet-Känzig-Papaux trio. These guys have absorbed the great American tradition, yet found a way to express their own European sensitivity on harmonies and rhythms out of the language of jazz. Foremost a ballad album, Silver Blue displays Mariano's exquisite way of handling melodies and moods.