Lawrence Fields Archive
Steve Slagle – Dedication – Panorama
Family, friends, and fellow musicians all make an impact on saxophonist Steve Slagle’s latest album. Steve Slagle – Dedication [TrackList and Performing Artists follows] – Panorama 007, 58:18 [1/4/18] ****: Saxophonist Steve Slagle’s one-hour album, Dedication, is well named. The nine tracks (seven Slagle originals) are each dedicated to someone important in Slagle’s life and/or career. Listening to this material one can hear Slagle’s influences, from Sonny Rollins to Wayne Shorter, Steve Swallow to Jackie McLean. Slagle may not be recognized by all jazz fans (some may know him as the former director of the Mingus Big Band), but he’s been an integral part of the jazz community for decades and each of his outings showcases his instrumental prowess, his composing skills and his ability to arrange and collaborate with various other jazz artists. Slagle put together a stellar group for this record, including bassist Scott Colley (who has worked with Chris Potter, Gary Burton and currently with Julian Lage); drummer Bill Stewart (credits include Scott Colley, Larry Goldings and also Potter); pianist Lawrence Fields (his résumé includes Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas and also Potter); percussionist Roman Diaz (who has a lot of Latin Jazz credits); and guest guitarist Dave […]