As an improviser, Olson is a raconteur who integrates a touch of soul into a commanding voice...
Reflecting on the path his life has taken him on, 789 Miles represents the distance from saxophonist Matt Olson's childhood home in Wisconsin to his present residence in South Carolina, where he's on the faculty of Furman University. Through his original compositions, he sought to capture pieces of his upbringing and the lasting influence of his late parents. To bring it to today, he presents several compositions by current and former students at the University, performed in a trio with his longtime colleague Mike Kocour on B-3 organ, and drummer Dom Moio. From the hard swinging "Dance of the Dragonflies," to the modern and open "The Wishing Well," to Olson's lone tenor on the title track, this trio covers a lot of road.
Track Listing:
1. Gyrate 3:54
2. The Wishing Well 6:58
3. The Space Between 6:04
4. Alberta Clipper 5:01
5. 789 Miles 2:52
6. Dance of the Dragonflies 4:53
7. Kything 5:57
8. Highway 538 6:06
9. Stompin' at the Savoy 5:43
(1) by J. Jay Berthume; (2) by Cyrus Givianpour; (3) by Adib Young; (4-6) by Matt Olson; (7) by Ken Ge; (8) by Matthew Storie; (9) by Benny Goodman, Chick Webb, & Edgar Sampson
Performers:
Matt Olson - tenor saxophone
Mike Kocour - Hammond B-3 organ
Dom Moio - drums
Production Info:
Produced by Matt Olson
Recorded & mixed by Clarke Rigsby at Tempest Recording, Tempe, AZ
September 14, 2018
Mastered by Nathan James at Vault Mastering, Chandler, AZ
Studio photos by Clarke Rigsby
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of 789 Miles
Midwest Record (Chris Spector)
A smoking trio with sax and B3, which way to do you want to take it? With chops galore powering the date, this is the perfect date to put yourself on auto pilot to enjoy to the max. Way more than just a tasty collection of licks and scales, this trio starts out in overdrive and takes it from there. Solid stuff that never lets you down. ...
All About Jazz (David Orthmann)
One of the most interesting things about tenor saxophonist Matt Olson's 789 Miles is something it lacks: An anxious, overriding eagerness to impress or knock the listener out at every turn. Instead, the record virtually looks you in the eye, shakes your hand, and then cordially invites you along for the ride. Olson, Hammond B-3 organist Mike Kocour ...
Jazz Journal (London) (Mark Gilbert)
4-STARS "Jazz Is the Teacher, Funk Is the Preacher" goes the title of Soul Jazz Records 2018 compilation featuring Funkadelic, Gil Scott-Heron, Don Cherry and others. Matt Olson, professor of saxophone and director of jazz studies at Furman University, South Carolina, might be a teacher, and the second bit of his job title "Saxophonist & Educator" ...
All About Jazz (Mark Sullivan)
Wisconsin-born tenor saxophonist/composer Matt Olson has traveled 789 miles from his childhood home to his current home in South Carolina, where he teaches at Furman University. His original compositions here aim to capture influences from his upbringing, but the present is well-represented by compositions from five Furman University students (grad ...
