Mas Alto

The saxophone trio is a long-standing tradition is jazz. Saxophonists like Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Steve Coleman, Joe Henderson, and Joe Lovano have all participated in this tradition. The "sax trio" is always an exciting instrumentation for drummers. The absence of a chordal instrument affords the drummer more space and allow us to exert more of an inf!uence on the music. This record, recorded in two separate sessions, offers this view into the two drummers. Jim White is a veteran of the Nashville and Colorado music scenes, Calvaire has established himself as a stalwart of the New York City jazz scene. This record offers a nice view into the two drummer's different approaches. Bassist Jon Hamar is the bassist on both sessions. "P.O.I." gives Calvaire and DelGiudice an extended time to trade fours, and the results are spectacular. Jim White creates a nice mood of broken time on Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace," and he and DelGiudice interact nicely throughout the tune before a nice solo from Hamar. "Horses for Courses" (which is actually one of my favorite sayings) finds the saxophonist and Calvaire mixing it up nicely. A ballad can be difficult with this instrumentation, but the trio (with Calvaire) finds a nice footing. "Around Now" shows why more attention should be given to drummer Jim White, he is one of those drummers who deserves it, just listen to the eights and the fours that he and DelGiudice exchange. "Mas Alto" and "Small Feats" are the best tracks on the record as all members of the trio shine brightly. Calvaire is extra bright on "Small Feats" and "Momentos." For fans of the saxophone trio, this will be a very enjoyable listen.