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Denis DiBlasio: View from Pikes
ByThe one rapid-fire track, "Tear Up an Anvil in An Open Field," jumps and sparks in the open field of a drum-less trio, making its title an apt metaphor for a tune that is a cross between a jazzed up Irish jig and boogie woogie; a number that would have pleased Mulligan, who frequently spiced up his music with humor.
Since there are no liner notesunfortunately an all-too-common occurrence in the CD and MP3 universe these daysthe album title, View from Pikes, remains something of a mystery. While it undoubtedly refers to Pikes Peak in Colorado, it must have had a personal meaning for DiBlasio, as reflected in the title tune as well as other song titles that suggest a hard-working settler there, such as the aforementioned "Tear up an Anvil," "He Owns the Place" and "A New Kind of Tired." Stretching the metaphor, and, seeing that Pikes Peak is almost half way between L.A. and New York, the playing melds East and West Coast sounds and styles.
All three musicians have done time in Philadelphia, which is noted for its stable of excellent, dedicated musicians, some of whom, like Ridl, have used the City of Brotherly Love as a home base for careers elsewhere (but keep coming back on occasion), and some of whom, like the great tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna, take up lifetime residence here and whose influence on DiBlasio is unmistakable. Varner, heard around Philly in numerous contexts, is a top of the line bassist who, in this CD, artfully sustains the light rhythmic pulse throughout. Ridl, a truly amazing pianist with enormous creativity and grasp of the idioms that comprise jazz, is a perfect accompanist for DiBlasio, and his solos have their own inner beauty and structure, adding to the CD's interest; one of those special itemsjuicy, easy-going, and flowingthat bears repeated listening.
Track Listing
The Days of Wine and Roses; Aria; Pacific Ride; View from Pikes; Tear Up an Anvil in an Open Field; Abbraccio; He Owns the Place; A New Kind of Tired; Whereyabin; Tenderly.
Personnel
Denis DiBlasio
saxophone, baritoneDenis DiBlasio: baritone saxophone and flute, Jim Ridl: piano, Steve Varner: acoustic bass.
Album information
Title: View from Pikes | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Dreambox Media
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A Triple Bill of Keys & Drums
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About Denis DiBlasio
Instrument: Saxophone, baritone
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