Among Friends

Veteran tenor saxophonist George Garzone spent much of his life in jazz education, though he picked up his pace recording as a leader beginning in the mid-'90s. This European release issued by Stunt features Garzone with a masterful rhythm section including pianist Steve Kuhn, bassist Anders Christensen, and drummer Paul Motian. The ballad-oriented set primarily focuses on Garzone's lush originals, including the wistful "Farewell" and the mellow, Latin-tinged "Between Two Cities," a feature for his infectious soprano sax. He also covers a few familiar songs, including a dreamy rendition of the standard "My One and Only Love," Miles Davis' 1940s bop vehicle "Milestones" (not to be confused with the song sometimes issued under the same name from the 1950s), and an extended workout of Fred Lacey's "Theme for Ernie" that is reminiscent of Stan Getz. Kuhn is a superb accompanist and soloist throughout the date, while Christensen and Motian also make their presence felt.