Joe Lovano - On This Day ... At the Vanguard

[john williams]

From AMG:

Recorded live at the Village Vanguard, On This Day...At the Vanguard is saxophonist Joe Lovano's first recording with his award-winning nonet since the release of 52nd Street Themes in 2000. Having recorded in a variety of settings ranging from those of big-band leaders Woody Herman and Mel Lewis to duets with Mulgrew Miller on Tenor Legacy to quartets featuring such stellar artists as Dave Holland, John Scofield, and Al Foster (collectively known as Scolohofo), Joe Lovano proves with this CD that his artistry remains highly adaptable to any musical setting. Opening the program with the first of two originals written for this recording is Lovano's swinging "At the Vanguard." It has a harmonic sequence based on "Stompin' at the Savoy," and features outstanding solos by Lovano, alto saxophonist Steve Slagle, trumpeter Barry Ries, and pianist John Hicks. "Focus" and John Coltrane's "After the Rain" offer listeners two exceptional contrasts of Lovano's playing style, while "On This Day Just Like Any Other" is a 15-minute free jazz offering with amazing improvisations that Lovano wrote around the time drummer Billy Higgins passed away. The recording closes with "My Little Brown Book," a beautiful, serene ballad that returns the music to the quartet sound and served as the show's encore. Overall, On This Day...At the Vanguard captures the essence of Lovano's reverence and enthusiasm for the jazz venue that has supplied a great deal of his musical inspiration over the course of his jazz career. — Paula Edelstein

1. At the Vanguard (Lovano) - 9:33
2. Focus (Dameron) - 8:12
3. After the Rain (Coltrane) - 7:39
4. Good Bait (Dameron) - 14:13
5. Laura (Arksin) - 5:26
6. On This Day (Just Like Any Other) (Lovano) - 15:26
7. My Little Brown Book (Strayhorn) - 9:07

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p...=Aas3gtq9zzu43

[james harrigan]

I didn't realize this was out yet - I'll buy it today. I loved 52nd Street Themes, thought it was one of his best. I also loved seeing the nonet at the Vanguard (not precisely this group, though). I can't imagine this CD won't be a delight.

[Chris D]

Can't wait to hear it. Lovano's nonet is one of the most enjoyable ensembles I've seen in the last five years.

[Tanager]

I have this on order, should arrive today or tomorrow, best guess. I'm really looking forward to it. If I don't get to see him before then, Lovano's supposed to play the Kennedy Center next May...

[Lois Gilbert]

Just got it haven;t had a chance to hear it yet, but let's move this over to record reviews...

[Tanager]

My copy just came - I've only listened once to the first four tracks, but thus far, I really like the disk. Lovano's playing is really fluid and melodic, and the band swings hard on the uptempo numbers. I especially like his reading of "After the Rain," really beautiful stuff.

[Tanager]

I officially love this disk. The title track in particular is just fantastic. I never tire of hearing Lovano at work, and this disk is no exception. Surely *someone* else has listened to this one?

[Stuckinagroove]

I've ordered it