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Jason Stillman: Prelude
ByAs for the music, it was clearly chosen with care, with Stillman's five handsome compositions supplemented by Allie Wrubel / Herb Magidsen's lovely "Gone with the Wind," Duke Ellington's luminous "Prelude to a Kiss" and the tantalizing finale, Fats Waller / Andy Razaf's "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now." Stillman is an elegant straight-ahead soloist whose tone and phrasing are remindful of such contemporaries as Vincent Herring, Kenny Garrett and Bobby Watson, with an occasional nod to earlier trailblazers including Lou Donaldson, Herb Geller and Frank Morgan. The references, however, are always oblique, as Stillman takes care not to emulate anyone.
The session opens on an upbeat note with Stillman's buoyant "Temporary Insanity," which precedes "Gone with the Wind" and two more winners by the leader, "Suicide Squeeze" (he does have a knack for creating catchy song titles) and "Ulysses." "Kiss" is followed by the robust "Quartet Blues," warmhearted "Tribute" and easygoing "Keepin' Out of Mischief." Bassist Paul Rushka states his case earnestly on "Wind" and "Mischief," drummer Dave Laing on "Suicide Squeeze" and "Quartet Blues." As for Rager, he's a smart, confident soloist who shines in every setting. Together, Stillman and his teammates have produced an introductory recording whose concept and execution are admirable, a singularly likable album that is definitely worth hearing and savoring more than once.
Track Listing
Contemporary Insanity; Gone with the Wind; Suicide Squeeze; Ulysses; Prelude to a Kiss; Quartet Blues; Tribute; Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now.
Personnel
Jason Stillman: alto saxophone; Josh Rager: piano; Paul Rushka: bass; Dave Laing: drums.
Album information
Title: Prelude | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: MCM Records (multiple Chord Music)