Search - Various Artists :: America's Milleniun Tribute to Adolphe Sax 1

A really fun sax cd of newer music

07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite a good collection of saxophone music by various performers and composers. It includes a wide variety of styles, from Harbison's lively "San Antonio" to Bender's multiphonic "Diastems." My two particular favorites are "San Antonio" and "Perpetual Motion," the former because it is a fun picture of one traveler's experience to San Antonio, TX, (it includes extensive program notes describing the atmosphere of the piece) and the latter because it is a very difficult piece and very nicely executed by the performers--besides, saxophone and marimba is a very cool combination that isn't written for very often."

Excellent mix of newer music.

O. Angel Negrin | Austintown, OH, USA | 07/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, if you have not yet heard the playing of saxophonist James Umble, pick up this CD and listen to his performance of the Schmitt "Legende". One of the most technically difficult pieces in the repertoire is presented with effortless mastery by Umble. Always in tune, always with a fluid technique that constantly moves forward. Umble's tone colors shift as the mood of the piece shifts, giving the listener a unique experience as one that listens to a very compelling story. James Umble is an artist.Also very notable on this CD is Jean-Marie Londeix's performance of the Pilon "Trois Meditations". This is a re-release from Londeix's old SNE label LP record, which is now virtually impossible to find. Londeix, widely believed to be the "master of the modern saxophone", interprets the Pilon with authority and charisma. The piece is unaccompanied, giving the soloist complete control over artistic decisions.Michael Jacobson's rendition of the Harbison Sonata is very solid, and Paul Bro and George Wolfe play very well on this CD, too. This CD is an excellent chance to hear newer pieces played by performers that the average listener would not often find anywhere else.Highly recommended disc.OANegrin"