Stephen Martin

High Plains

oa2 22197

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MUSIC REVIEW BY Georges Tonla Briquet, Jazz'halo (Belgium)

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With 'High Plains' the young American saxophonist Stephen Martin confirms all the qualities of his strong debut 'Vision' (2018), albeit surrounded by a completely new trio.

The title of the opening track ('Horizons') is perfectly illustrated by Martin and pianist Peter Schlamb . Together they thoughtfully draw out the contours of the decor, thoughtfully supported by bassist Ben Leifer and drummer David Hawkins . Step by step they introduce inclined planes where the solos of piano and saxophone provide an aura of "misterioso". Chris Potter and Mark Turner are still points of reference in Martin's play but now masterfully enriched with Coltrane's spiritual side. In 'The Void' all this is worked out in an eminent way. This song alone makes this CD a top release. The subsequent version of the standard 'Easy Living' fits in seamlessly with this. Another highlight is the effervescent 'Euphony', thanks in part to additional tenor saxophonist Matt Otto (Ben Monder, Larry Goldings).

'Stablemates', for which they invited alto saxophonist Bobby Watson (Art Blakey, Wynton Marsalis), initially sounds like a light and swinging snack, but that impression is quickly blown away by Martin. The common thread is a penetrating bass line that runs through the entire song and pianist Schlamb chooses vibraphone. A choice he maintains in 'High Plains', with which the quartet immediately proves that it can also perform a ballad in pure "old school" style. Closer 'Simone' seems to go on and on as if this is the start for the successor.

Martin uses the classic codes, but according to his own standards. 'High Plains' is only his second album but what a statement.








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