Search - Richard Elliot :: Take to the Skies

A Genius, A God, The Master of the Saxophone

H. J. Sandford | Yorkshire, England | 11/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why hasn't anyone written a review on this album? This man is a genius, he is a god and the master of the sax. There isn't an artist alive with his passion, he loves to give you his music and it shows in all his work. Don't ask me why but I never seem to collect albums in the order they were released and despite this being one of Richard's earliest releases it was the latest to my collection with the exception of Crush. Take to the Skies bears Richard's spirited and moody playing, he really is the best at getting every single emotion out of each and every note. If your familiar with his work then you'll know what I mean when I say his music is instantaneously recognisable and only others can follow. A saxophone comes alive in the lips of Richard and this album is an excellent example of his heady and fervent playing. His latest release, Crush, demonstrates a little mellowing with age so for any one new to Richard my recommendation would be this album or Chill Factor. Take to the Skies is a worthy purchase just for the classic track "When a Man Loves A Woman" alone. There aren't the words to describe this guy's talent, each and every album is a masterpiece, his works should be in every jazzers collection."