Details
Track Listing
1. 2 Down & 1 Across
2. November 15
3. Wooden Steps
4. Sing a Song of Song
5. Brother Hubbard
6. Ms. Baja
7. House That Nat Built, The
8. She Waits For the New Sun
9. Before It's Time to Say Goodbye
10. Sounds of the Flying Pygmies
Album Notes
Personnel: Kenny Garrett (alto saxophone); Kenny Kirkland (piano); Nat Reeves (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums).
Recorded at Sear Sound, New York, New York on January 7 & 8, 1997.
SONGBOOK was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Individual or Group.
On SONGBOOK, which consists entirely of his own compositions, sax giant Kenny Garrett presents himself as a writer to be reckoned with. He and his band, comprised of pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, are members of a generation of jazz musicians who've had access to a broad cross-section of living jazz artists and thorough recorded documentation of everything that came before them. It shows in their comprehensive mastery of their instruments and their knowledge of various genres related to jazz.
For Garrett, though there are still new avenues to be explored. An altoist who often explores the modal terrain generally frequented by tenor players, Garrett offers up gems like "Sing a Song of Song," a beautifully melodic and spiritual tune, with Jeff "Tain" Watts expertly updating Elvin Jones' swinging jazz-mambo style. The band comes out swinging on "2 Down & 1 Across," and Garrett turns out a lovely, melancholy ballad in "Before It's Time To Say Goodbye."
Industry Reviews
Garrett explores ten originals in this album. His alto saxophone sound is intense and passionate and suggests that Sonny Fortune may have been one of his models....His sidemen...are tough players who create a slashing rhythmic drive...
JazzTimes (09/01/1997)
4 1/2 stars (out of 5) - This is powerhouse music, the state of the art....it's Garrett's finest hour, and it will play well for years and years....there's a splendidly wide breadth to these tunes...
Down Beat (08/01/1997)
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