"Alto" is a captivating live album by the legendary free jazz saxophonist Joe McPhee, recorded on May 4, 2009, at the intimate Local 269 club on New York City's Lower East Side. This high-energy performance, released on the Roaratorio label, captures McPhee's raw and expressive alto saxophone playing, accompanied by the dynamic duo of Kim Johannesen on guitar and Chris Corsano on drums.
The album features five original compositions, each dedicated to influential figures in the jazz and poetry worlds. "Lower East Side Shout (for Alton Pickens)" kicks off the set with a fiery and energetic display of McPhee's signature free jazz style. "Old Eyes (for Ornette Coleman)" pays homage to the free jazz pioneer, while "W.I.S. (for Warren Smith)" and "Soul Of A Poet (for Steve Dalachinsky)" showcase McPhee's ability to blend improvisation with structured composition. The album concludes with the enigmatic "Take The V Train," leaving the audience eager for more.
With a runtime of just over 41 minutes, "Alto" is a concise yet powerful testament to McPhee's enduring influence on the free jazz genre. The album's raw and unfiltered sound, captured live, offers an authentic and immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to McPhee's music. "Alto" is a testament to Joe McPhee's enduring influence on the free jazz genre, showcasing his raw and expressive playing style alongside his ability to craft compelling compositions.
Joe McPhee is a pioneering American musician who has been a vital force in the creative and free jazz worlds since the late 1960s. Born and raised in New York, McPhee is a multi-instrumentalist whose music is deeply rooted in the cultural and political landscapes of his time. His seminal 1971 album "Nation Time" is a powerful testament to the black cultural nationalist movement, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with profound social commentary. McPhee's style is as diverse as it is dynamic, drawing influences from the ecstatic improvisations of Coltrane, the complex melodies of Dolphy, and the rich traditions of funk and blues. His tone on the trumpet and saxophone ranges from harsh, wailing cries to precise, lyrical phrases, making him a versatile and captivating performer. Even at 85, McPhee continues to push boundaries, delivering knockout performances that blend spoken word with sparse, evocative instrumentation. His extensive discography, including works like "Tales Out Of Time" and "Black Magic Man," offers a journey through six decades of innovative and influential music.
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