This double-CD (originally cut for
King) has a remarkable lineup of saxophonists: altoists
Frank Morgan,
Lee Konitz,
Phil Woods,
John Zorn,
Steve Coleman,
Donald Harrison, and
Craig Bailey,
Dave Liebman on soprano, and tenors
Archie Shepp,
David Murray,
Houston Person, and
Bennie Wallace. In fact, there is so much talent present (with a fine rhythm section that includes pianist
George Cables, either
Rufus Reid or
Santi DeBriano on bass, and producer
Joe Chambers on drums) that it is not surprising that the results do not come close to living up to the tremendous potential. A problem is that 12 of the 20 performances feature just one saxophonist (everyone but
Bailey is heard from in a quartet setting and
Liebman has two showcases) which partly wastes the unique concept of the set; certainly
Phil Woods and
Houston Person offer nothing new on songs they have previously recorded (
"Goodbye Mr. Evans" and
"There Is No Greater Love"). In general the individual selections are reasonably rewarding, particularly those of
Murray,
Liebman, and
Morgan. Of the collaborations,
Konitz meets
Zorn on one fairly respectful track, and
Shepp gets to team up with
Murray. In addition there are two numbers with three saxophonists, one with five, and three blues (including two versions of
"Blues for JC") that have six. There is no big blowout with all dozen players, solo identification is not given, and the liner notes say little about the goals or ideas behind the ambitious undertaking. This music will look more unique in discographies than it actually sounds. ~ Scott Yanow
