Harold Danko
met alto saxophonist
Dick Oatts
and tenor saxophonist
Rich Perry
while all three were members of
the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra
. Over the years, they have had opportunities to play together, with
Perry
and
Danko
appearing on each other's CDs a number of times and a successful 2005 record date entitled
Oatts & Perry
. So it was only natural that the pianist desired to have both reedmen together for a follow-up recording, which took place in early 2009, adding
's regular bassist,
Michael Formanek
, and drummer,
Jeff Hirschfield
. It is hardly surprising that the three men would have an affinity for the music of
Thad Jones
, and the late drummer's driving, rarely recorded
"Ain't Nothin' Nu"
proves to be a great opener, with terrific solos all around.
's
"Blue Swedish Wildflower"
might sound like a
Wayne Shorter
piece to the uninitiated, but this lovely work was written back in the 1970s when the pianist was playing with
Jones
Lewis
.
Formanek
's understated solo and the intricate harmonies of the two saxes in the ensembles make this ballad glisten.
Shorter
is represented with his demanding
"Suspended Sentence"
(a demanding work penned for a
Lee Morgan
session), with solid interplay by the saxophonists.
Horace Silver
"Gregory Is Here"
is another forgotten gem, with great support by the rhythm section. Standards aren't ignored, represented by an intimate setting of
Richard Rodgers
'
"Soon"
and a lengthy exploration of
"I Remember You"
that has
Oatts
showing a bit of influence from
Lee Konitz
. This rewarding date should lead to future studio reunions of the full quintet. ~ Ken Dryden