Azure Intention

Denver-based saxophonist Baker is the Director of Jazz studies at the University of Denver, and on this, his debut recording for OA2 records, he shows a sophistication and lovely tone. There is introspection on the opening tracks, "Color Line" and "Lament," which are both beautiful and melancholy. Baker's improvising is fluid and not flashy, even when the tunes get quick, as on "Into the Blues." He lets the chords move him through the pieces, giving way to the brilliance of Reggie Berg on piano for the faster stuff. The same smoothness arches over the disc and all the original compositions. There is an easiness throughout, which makes for a very listenable disc. It's not challenging, but it doesn't have to be.