#briancharette

We’ve already covered Brian Charette’s outstanding work here but this outing is yet another aspect of his jazz work that deserves to be heard. The encounter with one of the stylistic heavyweights of modern tenor saxophone is a proper discographic event. 

Memphis-born George Coleman has played with Herbie Hancock and Miles, with Ray Charles and B.B. King, which may be impressive to some but is not half the important story: his output as a leader, his original sound and musical world are major components of contemporary jazz. Both a tough tenor and an advanced one, he has been a model and mentor for decades. His more pensive and romantic side is at the forefront here (“On a Misty Night”, “Autumn Leaves”) but the blues remains a fundamental part of his voice, “Father and Son” is a pure churchy delight in that respect. George Coleman Jr. is an elegant drummer (as could be expected from someone who’s been so close to Billy Higgins) who is perfectly at ease in such a session that requires listening chops and good taste.

The colours brought by Juris have long been very distinctive (he’s played with Richie Cole, David Liebman, Lee Konitz) and he delivers some challenging lines here in his usually inventive way.

Charette can play with sophistication or grit—and he usually blends the two. He’s in very good company with Big George who has the same ability and Charette not only acts as a leader but also as a great comper and organiser of the music by providing the adequate ambiance on top of his excellent soloing.

Jean Szlamowicz (Spirit of Jazz & Down Beat)

Tracks. On A Misty Night ; Autumn Leaves ; Tenor Madness ; Maiden Voyage Alligator Boogaloo ; Body And Soul ; Father And Son ; Never Let Me Go Stella By Starlight

Personnel. Brian Charette (org), George Coleman (ts), Vic Juris (g), George Coleman Jr. (dm)

Recorded December 2017