ABOUT
The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one’s self of the chains that shackle the spirit.. Igor Stravinsky
I’ve always loved Stravinsky’s no-nonsense insights into creating music. Like any freelance musician I find myself working in different stylistic idioms. I’ve come to embrace the constraints imposed by having to stay within stylistic boundaries while striving to make a personal statement. The compositions on this recording are conceived in that spirit, and are offered as tributes to the great saxophonists who have influenced me, along with a healthy dose of nostalgia for a bygone musical era.
Gordian Knot: For Dexter Gordon, my first and deepest influence on the tenor sax.
Ishtar Fan: For the great Johnny Hodges. Based on Billy Strayhorn’s classic Isfahan, with a nod to one of my favorite films of the 80’s.
Round Shot: for Cannonball Adderley. I would still gladly make a deal with the devil if I could do everything Cannonball does on the alto sax.
All Stops To Oshawa: My train-inspired trio composition for Jimmy Giuffre, the under-appreciated inventor of “folk jazz”.
In Vino Veritas: Based on the Henry Mancini standard “Days of Wine and Roses”, with a nod to Mike Murley, master of the contrafact.
Mr. P.L.: A minor blues based on an improvised phrase played by John Coltrane, and dedicated to Pat Labarbera, who I have had the honor to know as both mentor and colleague.
Not With A Wimp But A Banker: For Paul Desmond. The title is a classic bit of Desmond word play on the final line of T.S. Elliot’s “The Hollow Men”.
Unfit To Be Prez: For Lester Young, the father of modern jazz saxophone playing.
Till The Clouds Roll By: A lovely Jerome Kern tune written in 1917 and featured on the recording “Pure Desmond” with legendary guitarist Ed Bickert. It’s a joy to hear Rob Piltch carry on the tradition.
Keep It Stupid: Just a no-brainer slow blues to wrap it up, with a nod to Duke Ellington on the melody and Gene Ammons on the tenor solo.
Huge thanks to Adrean, Rob, Neil and Terry for lending their experience and artistry to this project. To Jeremy Darby for making it easy in the studio (as always), and especially to Johnny Griffith for all the hard work and the impeccable taste.
And of course to my ever supportive wife Laura Macleod. I guess I really am just a lucky so-and-so.
PERSONNEL
Andy Ballantyne • Tenor/Alto Sax, Clarinet
Rob Piltch • Guitar
Adrean Farrugia • Piano
Neil Swainson • Bass
Terry Clarke • Drums