Chris Vadala plays just about every popular reed instrument on his debut recording as a leader. Having worked extensively with flügelhornist
Chuck Mangione, one might expect a more contemporary jazz session, but
Vadala begins with a slow blues, "Out of the Shadows," that finds him clearly in the
John Coltrane camp on tenor. Another original, "Club Contrafact," is a burning workout, with pianist Mark Andrew Cook switching to organ. He also explores music by past greats, including a brisk run with his wailing alto sax in
Cannonball Adderley's seldom-played blues "Sticks" (where he also overdubs baritone), along with a breezy flute feature in
Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower" (where he also dubs several different instruments behind the lead voice). He switches to soprano for a heartfelt interpretation of
Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," giving it a bit of a wistful air by opening the piece unaccompanied. Pepe Gonzales' exotic Latin percussion sets up the novel treatment of
Wayne Shorter's modal masterpiece "Footprints," with
Vadala making a belated entrance after the rest of the band, playing very subtly on soprano. It's a shame that it took
Chris Vadala so long to record on his own, but this excellent effort will likely open more opportunities for him to work as a leader. ~ Ken Dryden