Survival of the Fittest

Lewis Nash has never played a "bad" note in his life, and that's why he's on so many records. He proves this again on saxophonist Jordan VanHemert's third recording as a leader. Whether it's Nash's dancing brushes on "Tread Lightly," his intro and rollicking five-minute duet with VanHemert on "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise," or his uber-musical solo on "Milyang Arirang," everything Lewis Nash plays works to perfection. Listen to Lewis Nash's support
of trumpeter Terrell Stafford and pianist Helen Sung on the outstanding "Mo's Blues" for his Nash's down-home take on timekeeping perfection. The title cut "Survival of the Fittest" is a standout track, the support that Nash, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and pianist Helen Sung give the soloists to go anywhere is sheer professionalism, and the resulting music is beautiful. Kudos to one and all!