Well seasoned, old fashioned blowing
Joel L. Parkes | Los Angeles | 05/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dave Glasser has paid his dues, having been a member of the Count Basie Band and also a long-time student of "Keeper of the Bebop Flame", Barry Harris. He is now in his prime, has nothing to prove to anyone, and is simply one of the best alto sax players in the world. His taste runs toward the lyrical, and he leaves the "angry-man" playing to other folks. There is not a dissonant note on this album. Instead, having surrounded himself with like-minded players, he has created an incredibly relaxed session which gives the lie to the phrase "they don't play like that any more". The feeling is so free and easy that it reminds me of another of my favorite albums, "At Ease With Coleman Hawkins". If I had to choose a favorite cut, it would have to be "I've Been Working on the Railroad" (no, really). Another thing this album proves is that pianist Larry Ham seriously needs to be discovered. If you dig Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor, you wouldn't like this CD. If you think Frank Morgan, Scott Hamilton, and Lester Young are "It", then you won't go wrong."
Right in the Groove
Michael Morical | Brooklyn, NY USA | 08/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dave plays with an ease and command seldom heard these days. He is fluent in his idiom of bop. He draws from the well of the masters but does not imitate them. He has his own conception, his own sound, instantly recognizable. There is no need to run the exercise wheel, to show us what he can do. Dave is out to express and that he does with great passion. This sounds like one of those dates when all the elements fell into place. Dave's originals (half the program) are intriguing, real springboards for this band: Dave Glasser-alto sax, Larry Ham-piano, Dennis Irwin-bass, Carl Allen-drums. They swing so effortlessly! If you haven't heard Dave, you'll wonder how you ever missed him."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1