Finding beauty in Jazz ballads…
Noah Preminger – Ballads – Chill Tone Records #CT0003CD – CD – 37:31 – ****
(Noah Preminger – tenor sax; Julian Shore – piano; Kim Cass – bass; Allan Mednard – drums)
You can make a strong argument that an elite saxophonist can be judged (and appreciated) by their ability to interpret ballads. It is not a contest of speed, or the ability to “cut” a contemporary horn player in a blowing session. It IS the expression of passion that cuts to the heart of how jazz can move the listener to set aside their day to day affairs, to enter a new space of sublime beauty.
With his latest CD, Ballads, tenor saxophonist, Noah Preminger, shows the maturity that classic balladeers like Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, or Stan Getz, possessed. It is a “warmness” that is more easily felt, than described.
Noah’s quartet of pianist, Julian Shore, bassist, Kim Cass, and drummer, Allan Mednard, all help contribute to the mood setting of deep reflection.
The seven tracks, include four Preminger originals. The acoustics are first rate, rich and resonant.
Beginning with “Stan’s Mood,” written by Alan Cohn, for Mr. Getz, Noah sets the stage for what is to come. Julian Shore’s solo adds to the relaxed, yet ruminative mood. “Unfair World,” “P N E U,” and “In Our 20s,” all written by Noah, have a hypnotic beauty, mournful at times, yet leave the door open for hope (probably all we can ask for in these troubled times.)
Preminger’s reading of George Gershwin’s classic staple, “Someone to Watch Over Me,” closes the session with enough passion to warm the coldest heart.
Many albums provide a ballad or two to balance more “heated” tracks. It’s a real treat, however, to have a full meal of contemplative ballad richness.
—Jeff Krow
Noah Preminger – Ballads
Tracklist:
Stan’s Mood
Carry Me Ohio
Unfair World
In Our 20s
Democracy
P N E U
Someone to Watch Over Me
