Brighten your day with a music of freedom — jazz. Some jazz critics used to criticize the swing era of big bands, but these bands were bread and butter for many musicians who jammed after hours. They were the breeding grounds for many musicians who struck out on their own, and the home of fine arrangers and music creators. They provided opportunities for musicians to write new material and they offered chances to solo. Charlie Barnet was a saxophonist and band leader. “Cherokee” was a big hit for his band, and so was “Skyliner“.
Warne Marsh was a saxophonist in the school of pianist Lennie Tristano. He plays the second tenor solo (Lee Konitz, another Tristano alumnus, is first) in these tunes. Also heard is fine guitarist Mundell Lowe. In a trio, Marsh plays “Yardbird Suite“. Warne’s tone and approach to the horn place him with others like Art Pepper, Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond, into a sound which has been called “cool”.
6:44 am on October 26, 2012
