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Nick Hempton: Catch and Release
ByEach track was recorded at Smalls Jazz Club in New York from June 2014 through May 2015 with Hempton's working band that includes bassist Dave Baron, drummer Dan Aran and pianists' Tadataka Unno and Jeremy Manasia. Hemptonwho prefers on using his regular cast of players when performing gigs or recordingdoes favor bringing in guests artists to perform on certain compositions, sometimes penned for particular players in mind. As such, appearing as special guests on these recordings are, renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein, trumpeter Bruce Harris, pianist Rossano Sportiello and fellow tenorist Jerry Weldon.
Pianist Unnowho sits in on the first three tracksprovides the introduction to the opening "Hanging for Dear Life," a mid-tempo mover giving bassist Baron some solo space as the saxophonist shapes the melody in what turns out to be a light sizzler. In contrast, "Change for a Dollar" is a swinging bop tune that features some of Hempton's appreciable chops on the tenor while the toned down "Target Practice" resembles more of a slow burner showcasing a bit of Aran's drumming prowess and playfulness on the cymbals.
The balladic piece of the album goes to the bluesy "Montauk Mosey" displaying the softer-side of the leader backed up this time, by pianist Sportiello on his only appearance on the recording. Hempton and crew bring the music to a close beginning with the swinging "The Third Degree" featuring icon Bernstein on the guitar followed by solos from trumpeter Harris on "Northberg Suite" and ends on the creative "Catch Up," featuring a superb piano solo from Manasia then, and the title track.
Saxophonist Nick Hempton's experiment succeeds quite well here, in album format for those who have not already sampled individual tracks as originally intended. The music is engaging and certainly entertaining adding to that, the caliber of musicianship and cast, leading to the obvious conclusion that this Hempton release is well worth catching.
Track Listing
Hanging For Dear Life; Change For A Dollar; Target Practice; Montauk Mosey; The Third Degree; Nordberg Suite; Catch Up; Catch And Release.
Personnel
Nick Hempton
saxophone, altoNick Hempton: saxophones; Dan Aran: drums; Dave Baron: bass; Tadataka Unno: piano (1-3); Jeremy Manasia: piano (5-8); Jerry Weldon: tenor saxophone (2); Rossano Sportiello: piano (4); Peter Bernstein: guitar (5); Bruce Harris: trumpet (6).
Album information
Title: Catch And Release | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Nick Hempton
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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