RICHIE COLE - Have Yourself An Alto Madness Christmas
Richie Cole Presents RCP004
Richie Cole (alto saxophone); Jeff Grubbs (bass); Reid Hoyson (drums); Mark Lucas (guitar); Jeff Lash way (piano)
featuring Matt Tomaro, Rick Matt (tenor); Jeff Bush, Reggie Watkins (trombone); James Moore, J D Chaisson (trumpet);
& The Fabulous Altones: Carey Evans, Ian Kane, Reni Monteverde (vocals)
No recordng date given
There is nothing quite like a good Christmas album at this time of year, and with Have Yourself An Alto Madness Christmas that is exactly what Richie Cole has delivered here. Those familiar with Cole's work will have a fair idea of what to expect, and they will not be disappointed.
In the liner notes, Cole says that this album has been along time in the pipeline, as he had the desire to record a Christmas album since discovering the also saxophone at the age of five. Well that dream has now finally found fruition, and the saxophonist has selected fourteen well known festive songs, along with two originals in the hard swinging 'Mr. Grinch. B Bopsky' to bring some good cheer to one and all, and gently rhythmic groove of 'Christmas in New England'.
And in a nutshell that sums up the album nicely. Some superb arrangements by Cole, with additional front line horns add variety to proceeding, but the real meat of the session lies with Cole and the rhythm section. Some hard cooking throughout, coupled with some superb solos from all concerned. Mention should go to guitarist, Mark Lucas whose lithe lines are a delight each time he steps up to solo, and pianist Lashway fires off a cracking solo on the aforementioned 'Mr. Grinch. B Bopsky'.
But of course the real star here is the leader himself, serving up his own inimitable brand of alto madness , with his pure bebop sound dominating proceedings. Never short of something pertinent to say the alto soars effortlessly. Cols is especially fine on the uptempo numbers, but shows a more tender side to his playing on 'I'll Be Home For Christmas', a quite superb ballad reading of a beautiful melody, and the unaccompanied rendition of Bob Wells and Mel Torme's 'The Christmas Song'.
Another brief change of pace occurs with the introduction of the fine voices of the Fabulous Altotones on a cheeky run through of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' which has been re-titled 'Have Yourself an Alto Madness Christmas'; a tantalising little number that indicates that an album for voices and little big band would be a most welcome proposition.
Throughout this wonderful album, Cole shows his mastery of the saxophone, and how to make this gift communicate to all via a good melody. He imbues all the tracks with his indomitable spirit and personality, conveying the music he loves with a passion that is infectious, whilst respecting the intentions and feeling of the chosen songs. An admirable trait not just for Christmas but a prerequisite for good music...which is what we have here.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Richie Cole Presents RCP004
Richie Cole (alto saxophone); Jeff Grubbs (bass); Reid Hoyson (drums); Mark Lucas (guitar); Jeff Lash way (piano)
featuring Matt Tomaro, Rick Matt (tenor); Jeff Bush, Reggie Watkins (trombone); James Moore, J D Chaisson (trumpet);
& The Fabulous Altones: Carey Evans, Ian Kane, Reni Monteverde (vocals)
No recordng date given
There is nothing quite like a good Christmas album at this time of year, and with Have Yourself An Alto Madness Christmas that is exactly what Richie Cole has delivered here. Those familiar with Cole's work will have a fair idea of what to expect, and they will not be disappointed.
In the liner notes, Cole says that this album has been along time in the pipeline, as he had the desire to record a Christmas album since discovering the also saxophone at the age of five. Well that dream has now finally found fruition, and the saxophonist has selected fourteen well known festive songs, along with two originals in the hard swinging 'Mr. Grinch. B Bopsky' to bring some good cheer to one and all, and gently rhythmic groove of 'Christmas in New England'.
And in a nutshell that sums up the album nicely. Some superb arrangements by Cole, with additional front line horns add variety to proceeding, but the real meat of the session lies with Cole and the rhythm section. Some hard cooking throughout, coupled with some superb solos from all concerned. Mention should go to guitarist, Mark Lucas whose lithe lines are a delight each time he steps up to solo, and pianist Lashway fires off a cracking solo on the aforementioned 'Mr. Grinch. B Bopsky'.
But of course the real star here is the leader himself, serving up his own inimitable brand of alto madness , with his pure bebop sound dominating proceedings. Never short of something pertinent to say the alto soars effortlessly. Cols is especially fine on the uptempo numbers, but shows a more tender side to his playing on 'I'll Be Home For Christmas', a quite superb ballad reading of a beautiful melody, and the unaccompanied rendition of Bob Wells and Mel Torme's 'The Christmas Song'.
Another brief change of pace occurs with the introduction of the fine voices of the Fabulous Altotones on a cheeky run through of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' which has been re-titled 'Have Yourself an Alto Madness Christmas'; a tantalising little number that indicates that an album for voices and little big band would be a most welcome proposition.
Throughout this wonderful album, Cole shows his mastery of the saxophone, and how to make this gift communicate to all via a good melody. He imbues all the tracks with his indomitable spirit and personality, conveying the music he loves with a passion that is infectious, whilst respecting the intentions and feeling of the chosen songs. An admirable trait not just for Christmas but a prerequisite for good music...which is what we have here.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
