There's a lot to like about tenor saxophonist
Tim Mayer's recording debut as a leader. First of all, he's got solid chops on tenor sax and yet has no intention of hogging the spotlight. Secondly, he put himself in good hands by getting together with veteran producer
John Lee (and the young but extremely talented co-producer
Michael Dease, who also made musical contributions). Also, he has a top-shelf rhythm section anchored by veteran pianist
George Cables, with bassist
Dezron Douglas and
Willie Jones III. The guests are a mix of young and old players, all first-call musicians: trumpeters
Claudio Roditi,
Greg Gisbert, and the promising
Dominick Farinacci,
Michael Dease (a killer trombonist, composer, and arranger), guitarist
Mark Whitfield, and flutist
Don Braden. To top things off,
Mayer chose a terrific mix of overlooked gems by jazz greats, along with newer compositions.
Mayer's hard blowing in
Kenny Dorham's "Escapade" invites comparisons to
Dexter Gordon, with
Gisbert providing an excellent foil for the leader.
Bud Powell's "Dance of the Infidels" (incorrectly attributed to
Fats Navarro, who did record it) isn't an obscurity by any means, but
Mayer's interpretation shines, with his robust tenor sharing the spotlight with
Cables, bass trombonist Robert Edwards, and
Douglas. On
Lee Morgan's punchy "Blue Lace," which deserves wider recognition,
Mayer and company deliver potent ensemble work and powerful solos.
Charles Tolliver's "Emperor March" is a recent work, the title track of
Tolliver's 2009 live CD, which featured
Michael Dease as part of the big band.
Mayer's conception is scaled down for ten pieces, but he delivers an intense performance while sharing space with
Gisbert.
Dease contributed "For Miles," a peppy opener based on the changes to an easily recognized standard;
Mayer explodes out of the gate with a strong showing, then
Dease demonstrates on trombone why he has been so in demand as a trombonist for session work since he arrived in New York City.
Mayer's intricate bop cooker finds him playing in unison with guitarist
Mark Whitfield with nary a misstep by either player, though
Whitfield steals the show with his fine solo.
Tim Mayer obviously did his homework long before walking into the studio to record his rewarding debut CD. ~ Ken Dryden