When an improviser names one of his albums after an obscure Sun Ra piece, you can safely assume that he isn't among the neo-conservative retro-boppers who emerged in the 1980s and '90s -- and, to be sure, Allan Chase isn't such an artist. The alto and soprano saxophonist, who was 38 when he made his recording debut as a leader with Dark Clouds with Silver Linings, is the type of flexible jazzman who likes to keep his options open. He has thrived in avant-garde situations, but he has no problem playing mostly inside on a ...
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When an improviser names one of his albums after an obscure Sun Ra piece, you can safely assume that he isn't among the neo-conservative retro-boppers who emerged in the 1980s and '90s -- and, to be sure, Allan Chase isn't such an artist. The alto and soprano saxophonist, who was 38 when he made his recording debut as a leader with Dark Clouds with Silver Linings, is the type of flexible jazzman who likes to keep his options open. He has thrived in avant-garde situations, but he has no problem playing mostly inside on a post-bop date like Dark Clouds with Silver Linings, which finds him forming a pianoless quartet with trumpeter/flugelhornist Ron Horton, bassist Tony Scherr, and drummer Matt Wilson. This enjoyable CD isn't innovative, but it isn't predictable either. Although Chase interprets some well-known standards, including "East of the Sun" and "Close Your Eyes," he isn't afraid to unearth lesser known material such as the title song (which Sun Ra recorded in the early '60s) and the Bud Powell pieces "Comin' Up" and "Borderick." Sure, Chase could have picked "Parisian Thoroughfare" or "Un Poco Loco," but to his credit, he realizes that a Powell classic doesn't have to be a standard to be worthwhile. With this decent debut, Chase let us know that he was worth keeping an eye on. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Dark Clouds with Silver Linings to cart. $38.70, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1995 by Accurate Records.
