Shade is an outstanding album of contemporary jazz from (mostly) tenor saxman Richard Cole. This album opens with a bang and a slightly larger ensemble in something of a tribute to Joe Henderson. Cole, as well as trumpeters Thomas Marriott and Randy Brecker, take some outstanding solos here. In pianist Bill Anschell's composition "Moxy," the band slims down to a quartet and combines a frenetic piano with Monk-inspired horns. A Fender Rhodes is called into play, along with an extra guitar, for a laid-back groove through "Red ...
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Shade is an outstanding album of contemporary jazz from (mostly) tenor saxman Richard Cole. This album opens with a bang and a slightly larger ensemble in something of a tribute to Joe Henderson. Cole, as well as trumpeters Thomas Marriott and Randy Brecker, take some outstanding solos here. In pianist Bill Anschell's composition "Moxy," the band slims down to a quartet and combines a frenetic piano with Monk-inspired horns. A Fender Rhodes is called into play, along with an extra guitar, for a laid-back groove through "Red Suit" (written by Cole's brother), which also gives Brecker another showing on the trumpet. From end to end, it's a fine album, with a good showcase of Cole's sax skills as well as a supporting cast with outstanding abilities and a constant groove. ~ Adam Greenberg, Rovi
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