Dave Glasser, alto sax – Above the Clouds (with Larry Ham, piano; Dennis Irwin, bass; Carl Allen, drums) – Arbors Jazz

by | Aug 30, 2006 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Dave Glasser, alto sax – Above the Clouds (with Larry Ham, piano; Dennis Irwin, bass; Carl Allen, drums) – Arbors Jazz ARCD 19337 *****:

Have to admit I hadn’t heard of Dave Glasser before, but he’s played with Illinois Jacquet, The Count Basie Band, Clark Terry, Dizzy, Joe Williams, Lee Konitz and James Moody among others. Konitz was his first mentor.  What will strike you instantly is the absolutely gorgeous tone of his signature alto sound, reminding you of the best of Stan Getz, Paul Desmond and similar lyrical saxists.  But Dave keeps that gorgeous sound even on the uptempo tunes, where he swings hard but never gets harsh and gritty like some saxists.  Pianist Larry Ham is a strong partner in this quartet too. Recording quality is top-rate and the tunes can’t be beat. Even the concluding corniness of the train sounds on I Been Working on the Railroad seem to work.  Don’t miss the beautiful sound of Glasser!

Tracks: Can’t I?, A Little Funky, Our Love Is Here to Stay, Stitt’s Bits, Above the Clouds, Easter Parade, Tranquility, In a Sentimental Mood, Hidden Truths, Every Day I Fall in Love, Blues for Mat, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.

 – John Henry

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