Search - Julius Tolentino :: Just the Beginning

Solid,, Swinging, Advanced Hard Bop - 4&1/2 Stars

John Tapscott | Canada | 11/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't make the mistake of dismissing this as one more "young lions" jazz recording, of which we had one too many by the mid-90's. For one thing alto saxophonist Julius Tolentino is 30 years old with a solid background in study and performance with masters such as Jackie McLean and Illinois Jacquet. Furthermore, Julius Tolentino is a already of player of considerable depth and improvisational maturity, though one senses he has much musical potential still to develop and unfold.



In any case, "Just the Beginning" is a very solid CD of attractive and intelligently arranged, advanced hard bop recorded in March 2005. There is plenty of variety on this beautifully recorded 60 minute CD which includes five originals by the group members, as well as four jazz standards. The groups include an alto/piano duo (on the last track), a sextet on 5 tracks, a quartet on 2 tracks, and a quintet on 1 track.



The recording begins with Tolentino's original "Just the Beginning" and opens with an attention grabbing duet between the leader and drummer Willie Jones 111, which clearly proclaims that this is Tolentino's recording and that he is in charge here. This strong track goes through several tempo changes and sets the stage for what is to come. The best track may be Jackie McLean's "Quadrangle" played by a pianoless quartet. At times this track reminds one of the late 50's Ornette Coleman quartet. It includes especially strong solos by Tolentino and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, and suggests a direction the altoist may profitably pursue in the future. On the tracks with trombonist Steve Davis there is a more of a traditional hard bop Jazz Messengers or One For All - type sound. Other notable tracks include Tolentino's ballad reading of "I Want To Talk About You"; Benny Golson's "Domingo"; Pelt's high octane "Pharaoh's Curse"; and Tolentino's swinging tribute to his wife Michelle, "Shell's Joy."



Tolentino's alto sound is bright and piercing, situated somewhere along the continuum between Jackie McLean and Dave Sanborn (though he sounds like neither of them). His sound and approach can be very warm and gentle too, as on the closing "Letter to Illinois."



Overall, there is plenty of fire and drama in this highly recommended set which more than maintains SharpNine's high production standards. "Just the Beginning" is is a very impressive debut recording for Julius Tolentino."