Saxophonist Greg Osby attacks a varied mix of jazz standards on St. Louis Shoes with results that sound both well within the "tradition" and utterly modern. Reminiscent of midcareer Wynton Marsalis, Osby seems to want to mix the Cotton Club-style swing of Duke Ellington with the angular bebop and calculated arrhythmia of Thelonious Monk. Backed by a stellar ensemble including trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Robert Hurst, pianist Harold O'Neil, and drummer Rodney Green, Osby crafts interesting arrangements of songs including the barely recognizable Gershwin chestnut "Summertime" and the Dizzy Gillespie classic "Shaw 'Nuff" that are both harmonically challenging and rhythmically unique. Check out the quirky and angular Raymond Scott meets Monk written solo that Osby and Payton play in the middle of Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo." Payton's playing seems more Marsalis-like than ever, featuring lots of off-kilter diminished lines, growls, and a general adventurousness that's lacking in too many young jazz musicians. Osby himself has never sounded more in charge of his abilities and even though this is by comparison one of his more conventional outings, he nonetheless achieves a level of creative individuality few of his contemporaries can match. - Matt Collar
From the jazz sounds of his birthplace in St Louis to his present home in New York, the new recording St.Louis Shoes allows the listener to musically walk in the footsteps of one today’s most distinctive jazz saxophonists: Greg Osby. The nine compositions chronicle different composers and styles that have influenced the artist. As on his recent efforts Inner Circle and Symbols of Light, the music continues to thrive and encompass a crisp personality.
For the new recording, Osby has partially set aside his composer’s hat and explores what he terms as O.P.M. (Other People’s Music). The compositions feature well known classics such as Duke Ellington’s “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” as well as the obscure Lieber-Stoller standard “Bernie’s Tune.” Whether O.P.M. or not, the music is assuredly given the Osby signature, with its creative flair and musicianship. His alto sax voice is impeccable as he continues to deliver sharp notes and complex solos. His cool and unpredictable arrangements shine on compositions such as “St Louis Blues” with its slowed tempo, and the nostalgic “Summertime” which undergoes a surreal blues and jazz transformation. One of the quiet highlights is Cassandra Wilson’s “Whirlwind Soldier,” which demonstrates the depth and simple beauty of Osby’s approach.
All this is carried out with a newly assembled cast of young and talented musicians who find new roles in each setting. Drummer Rodney Green takes charge with taut and rapid reflexes on the Dizzy/Bird classic “Shaw Nuff.” Pianist Harold O’Neal impressively impersonates and shows high skill on Thelonious Monk’s “Light Blue,” while bassist Robert Hurst provides some beautiful bow work on the passionate “Single Petal of a Rose.”
The surprise guest on the recording lies in the most capable hands of trumpeter Nicholas Payton. He provides the right components to explore the creative avenues for Osby’s reinterpretations. Whether dueling with Osby’s angular alto notes on the aforementioned “Bernie’s Tune” or providing ever-smooth lines on the multi-layered “Milton On Ebony,” Payton’s voice makes a pleasant addition to the music: Music that combines history, presence, and newness. - Mark F. Turner
Tracks
1. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo (Duke Ellington)
2. Shaw Nuff (J. Gillespie/C. Parker)
3. Light Blue (Thelonious S. Monk)
4. Whirlwind Soldier (Cassandra Wilson)
5. Summertime (Gershwin/Gershwin/DuBose)
6. Milton On Ebony (Jack DeJohnette)
7. The Single Petal Of A Rose (Duke Ellington)
8. Bernie's Tune (Miller/Lieber/Stoller)
9. St. Louis Blues W.C. Handy)
GREG OSBY alto saxophone
ROBERT HURST bass
RODNEY GREEN drums
HAROLD O'NEAL piano
NICHOLAS PAYTON trumpet, flugelhorn
Recorded 22-23, 2003 at System Two, N.Y.
Blue Note – 5816992