Songbook is the first release by alto saxophonist
Kenny Garrett to feature his frequent touring quartet -- pianist
Kenny Kirkland, drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts and bassist Nat Reeves -- on a program that consists entirely of
Garrett's own compositions. Always inventive, curious, daring, and exuberant,
Garrett's
Songbook proves him worthy of the alto legacy that most people (both fans and musicians) seem to agree he carries, as he demonstrates what sounds like the uncanny ability to play two-faced -- one face looking forward to the freshness of new concepts and creations as yet undiscovered, yet with another face which simultaneously looks back to the fine, fierce alto tradition of
Phil Woods and
Charlie Parker. The band stretches out luxuriously in the
Miles Davis tribute "Before It's Time to Say Goodbye," this first recording of
Garrett's perennial in-concert crowd pleaser "Sing a Song of Song," "Ms. Baja" and "Brother Hubbard," and
Garrett simply sounds like a true master.
Garrett also pays tribute to
Woody Shaw with "Wooden Steps." ~ Chris Slawecki