Search - John Handy :: Projections

Masterpiece by an underrated master

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 10/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Handy has allways been part of my favorite alto sax players,with Johnny Hodges,Benny Carter,Willie Smith,Art Pepper,Herb Geller,and Bird,of course.And even if he's still alive,he is one of the most unknown giants of jazz.He isn't only a master of alto sax,he is also an exceptionnaly talented writer.Just like Ken McIntyre. He recorded several gigantic albums in the sixties: "Jazz:John Handy III" (Roulette Records),"New View" (Columbia),"No coast jazz" (Roulette),"Live at the Monterey Jazz Feestival"(Columbia),and "projections".In 1994,he did a two CD set,"live at Yoshi's Nightspot" ,another masterpiece.
"Projections" was recorded April 15,1968.JOhn Handy's "concert ensemble" includes Michael White,violin,Mike Nock,piano,Bruce Cale,bass and Larry Hancock,drums.All the tunes were written by Handy or members of the group.You can listen to "Dance to the lady",one of Handy's best known tunes,a beautiful ballad which is sometimes reminiscent of Tadd Dameron's writing (beeing compared to Tadd Dameron may be one of the greatest compliments that can be done to a musician).This very beautiful waltz is magnificently played by John Handy."Senora Nancye" is in the same vein that "Spanish lady";this one can be heard in the Monterey live recording,in a 20 minutes long version.Handy blows outstanding things on this very difficult composition,played in 6/8."Three in one" has some very funky,even gospel like phrases.
If you don't know John Handy's music,you can choose to start listening to him with this album,just as with another one I mentionned before;each of these records are masterpieces.You will discover one of the most original voices on alto sax,and a fascinating music that is allways flirting with free jazz.Hope you'll become a John Handy's addict too."