Steve Slagle, Alto Manhattan
Steve Slagle belongs to my favourite school of alto players, those post-Coltrane disciples of Jackie McLean and Eric Dolphy, superbly epitomized by the acid sounds of Sonny Fortune, Gary Bartz, James Spaulding or Joe Ford (and continued in the younger generation by Antonio Hart, Mark Gross, Tim Green, etc.).
Steve Slagle has long been a prominent voice on the alto (ever since his days with Carla Bley when his sound cut through the band with significant bite). His latest opus is not just a way of featuring his technical prowess as a soloist—he has created a real sonic world, and one of great density, a colourful statement reminiscent of 1970s’ straight-ahead, the music of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Heath, Stanley Cowell, Bobby Hutcherson (as on “Family”, “Holiday”). Slagle’s strong personality is on display here with a sterling band comprising Joe Lovano as a special guest indeed. The full-throttle stamina of the rhythm section is impressive, anchored by the great Gerald Cannon. They’re all well-travelled gentlemen whose musicality is deep-rooted and athletic without ever lacking a certain subtle poetry as Slagle demonstrates on flute and on a beautiful solo version of “Body & Soul”. The music has none of the dryness sometimes associated with blowing power as it remains colourful and fervent, never lacking in character and inventiveness. A sturdy and spicy voice of the alto properly showcased in beautiful recording.
Jean Szlamowicz for Spirit of Jazz
Tracks: Family, Alto Manhattan, I Know That You Know, Body & Soul, Inception, I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry, A.M, Holiday, Viva la Famalia
Personnel: Steve Slagle (as, fl), Joe Lovano (ts, ss), Lawrence Fields (p), Gerald Cannon (b), Roman Diaz (perc), Bill Stewart (dm)
Recorded 6th August 2016, Panorama Records