Search - Warne Marsh, Kenny Drew :: I Got a Good One for You

Truly unique improviser

11/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're like me you don't know much about Warne Marsh except that he's "famous" for his work with Lennie Tristano whose meager catalog is poorly recorded, affording Marsh rather thin sounding sinuous lines which don't particularly attract one's attention. Well look out. Contained herein is perhaps the most robust tenor sax improvising I've heard in a long time.Although well respected, Warne Marsh has always been an obscure figure in jazz. His recordings, especially in the last half of his career, are very rare and available only on obscure labels. The Storyville label has several of the best recordings he ever made (I actually think his best work was done in the last 10 years of his life - he died in 1988) and I think this one is the best of those recordings.If you are a discerning jazz fan who still likes their straight-ahead but with a story to tell, it's all here. The unique approach to improvising, the energetic approach, and a top-flight American/Danish rhythm section (Kenny Drew / Bo Stief / and a spectacular Aage Taangard on Drums) combine to make this one of my favourite CDs - and I've got a few!The highlights are many but the standout tracks are Green Dolphin Street, Body and Soul, and Easy to Love, but a high-energy title track, Sophisticated Lady, and Softly as in a Morning Sunrise are also totally entertaining. On the surface this recording may seem like just another straight-ahead jazz album but once you scratch the surface, there are enormous treasures to be found. Get it while you can!Also get "Star Highs", "Unissued Copenhagen Recordings" (Quartet and Trio) and Chet Baker's "Blues for a Reason" to get Marsh's finest work."