The Way of the Saxophone

The stamp of David Bindman is everywhere on this recording, which features a fine studio performance from a group of talented saxophonists associated with the more adventurous wing of modern jazz. Most of the pieces were written or arranged by Bindman, and reflect a cool, complex, and visionary model of artistic endeavor. His transformations of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" and Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" are clever and original in the way in which melody is subordinated completely to rhythm and esoteric notions of harmony. Bindman's "Pier Sketch" stands out, in particular, for its effective use of the blues combined with abstractions not usually associated with this genre. Risks abound and some of the difficult written patterns are played perfectly, clearly a result of significant preparation. Although limited somewhat by the timbre of a single set of instruments, this quartet joins the World Saxophone Quartet and the Rova Saxophone Quartet as among the most innovative saxophone groups.