One of the most exciting saxophonists and band leaders I have heard in a long time.
Though reflecting on the wide-ranging, cascading emotions and endless complications created by the pandemic, saxophonist Jared Sims somehow manages to find an optimistic voice that weaves its way through the narrative of Against All Odds, his tenth solo recording. Guitarist Steve Fell, bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa, and drummer Luther Gray have been in Sims's musical life for years, the shared experiences adding easily accessed emotional depth to his stories. "Angst" explores the dread of seclusion. The title track is about Sims's father surviving after 3 months on a ventilator, while "Dear Gaia" reflects on the Earth goddess through the poetry of his wife, Amy M. Alvarez. Against All Odds reveals an honest recollection of truth while remembering to celebrate all that is and will be great in our lives.
Track Listing:
1. Against All Odds 4:15
2. Flowering 7:29
3. Waiting 6:11
4. Dear Gaia 3:42
5. No Name Days 6:54
6. Threnody 6:25
7. Angst 5:42
All music by Jared Sims
Performers:
Jared Sims - tenor saxophone
Steve Fell - guitar
Keala Kaumeheiwa - bass
Luther Gray - drums
Amy M. Alvarez - poetry (4)
Production Info:
Produced by Jared Sims
Recorded & mixed by Craig Welsch
at Rear Window Studio, Boston, MA
Recorded on June 28, 2021
Mastered by Paul Lipton, Boston, MA
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of Against All Odds
Jazz Weekly (George W. Harris)
Warm and bold sounding tenor saxist Jared Sims leads a post bop team of Steve Fell/g, Keala Kaumeheiwa/b and Luther Gray/dr through seven modern toned originals. His rich sound flows easily over Fell's guitar on the graceful title tune, with the two getting bluesy during ‘No Name Days". Fell wafts through the lyrical "Angst" and is lyrical for t ...
Midwest Record (Chris Spector)
Sax jazz for people that have arrived in port after the storm. While not coming out on this specifically, this is celebratory sounds that celebrate resilience and resistance. Pour and fave drink and enjoy, you've all earned it. ...
All About Jazz (Jack Bowers)
Any tenor saxophonist with the surname Sims is certain to draw the attention of a seasoned reviewer, if only out of curiosity. The first name in this instance is Jared, not Zoot (well, not John). As it turns out, Sims has an impressive resume as a performer, writer, educator and leader; Against All Odds is at least his tenth album as foreman of his ...