I'm Stunned
Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 03/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Can someone tell me what's going on here? I believe I have purchased the extent of the Mythology label's offerings (three in all), and each one of them is some kind of unique jazz treasure. Hear me out on this: David Binney's Free to Dream stakes out some kind of ur-jazz territory previously unclaimed.Who'd've thunk it? Dave Binney? That obscure alto player with the--let's not mince words--highly problematic outing, Luxury of Guessing, on perhaps one of the world's most obscure jazz labels, Audioquest, coming up with sheer beauty, musical transcendence, and absolutely brilliant conceptualization, composition, and playing on this invisible label, Mythology? Talk about out of left field!!Look, if you're a jazz fan, do me a favor: Buy this disc. I warrant, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Everything works here: Ravishingly beautiful melodies perfectly contextualized in rich yet deceptively simple instrumental settings; sophisticated yet completely accesible harmonic and tonal colorations; delicately nuanced performances from some of the top jazz practioners on the scene today; and arrangements specifically designed to showcase each performer's strengths without degenerating into mere virtuosity. If you buy this album and don't like it, I'll personally refund your money."
Breathtaking
D. Lee | Boston, MA | 12/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is a pool of very deep creative and complexly articulate musical artists that has converged in New York. Individually, they are the young voice that will prove to be responsible for defining the language of jazz. Donny McCaslin, Edward Simon, Adam Rogers, Scott Colley, Jeff Hirschfield, Kenny Wollesen to name a token few, and together they, as a part of a larger gathering on this recording make something rare: Beautifully satisfying music.
At the center is Dave Binney, whose music I am constantly amazed by for its elegant vituosity and fearless eloquence. As the leader he has created a collection of moods in 11 compositions, over an hour's worth of singular jems, each one revealing the voices of the individual.
I listen to this CD a lot and there's always something to learn from; always something waiting to be discovered.
Hidden treasure."
One Of Binney's Best
J. Rich | 06/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Alto saxophonist has been making a name for himself for the last 13 years as not only a gifted improviser, but also as a remarkable composer.
On "Free To Dream" Binney is joined by a stellar group of musicians: Donny McCaslin (tenor saxophone); Jamie Baum (flute, alto flute); Doug Yates (bass clarinet); Alex Sipiagin (trumpet, flugelhorn); Clark Gayton (trombone); Edward Simon (piano); Adam Rogers (classical guitar); Scott Colley (bass); Jeff Hirshfield (drums); Daniel Sadownick, Kenny Wollesen (percussion). All of these musicians help define this beautiful record. They all also seem to be tuned into the music and provide Binney's compositions and arrangments with the attention and grace they deserve.
The music is truly outstanding. One highlight for me that gave me the impression that I have stumbled onto something really special was the song "Girl Of The Southern Sky." This song alone is worth the price of the whole album.
If you are new to Binney you might want to try "South" first and then move to this one. This one requires 100% of your attention and you don't want to miss a note. Highly recommended!
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1