Some of you old guys (like me)
might remember a unique Benny Golson album called Take A Number From One To
Ten. On it, Golson opened with a tenor sax solo. From there he added one player
on each selection until there was a total of ten. Interesting concept, right?
Well, Portland
player supreme Charlie Porter has done just that on ten original tracks plus
one by Duke Ellington. He employs a bevy of Portland's finest musicians. Among them are
Mel Brown, Alan Jones, David Greenblatt, David Evans, Chuck Israels, Tim
Gilson, Dan Gaynor, George Colligan and a lot more. Porter's writing is clear
and contemporary, yet he finds a way to stay in the middle of the tradition.
His own sound is as pure and beautiful as any trumpet player I've ever heard. A
lot of planning and effort went into this project. From a musician's standpoint
it's very thoughtful music, and from a listener's view, very thought provoking.
I would go so far as saying that Charlie Porter sounds like what Clifford Brown
may have developed into had he lived longer than twenty-five years. Porter
brings intensity, lyricism, creativity and chops to the table. This meeting of Portland jazz giants is a
must-hear session.
Self-produced; 2018; appx. 60
min.
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