PAPATAMUS REDUX

SCOTT MARSHALL MUSIC (RECORDED MARCH 2023)

There is something very familiar about saxophonist Scott Marshall’s latest release The Solitude Suite. Perhaps it’s the piano-less quartet format, more reminiscent of Max Roach’s bands than the famous Ornette Coleman Quartet. Maybe it is the sequencing of tunes that reminds me of classic dates from Bluenote Records, moving from the bop-infused “The Monk Trane” to the funk of “Solid Dude Debate” to the idyllic mood of “Reflection” to the downhome gospel feel of “That’s Better.”  Is it the snatches of familiar tunes that sneak into the material, such as the Afro-Blue inspired opening bass line of “Frugal Fuegel,” and escape just as quickly? On second listen, perhaps it is the Dexter Gordon feel of Marshall’s playing or the post hardbop Woody Shaw/Charles Tolliver inspired playing of trumpeter Kevin Turcotte Through it all, bassist Mike Downes and drummer Terry Clarke effortlessly and effectively support and drive Marshall and Turcotte through 11 original compositions. There is one more familiar thing the varied moods of the tunes, the interplay between these four legends of Canadian jazz and the soloing and ensemble playing on The Solitude Suite delivers — a rewarding jazz listening experience, and with so many new releases coming out on a daily basis that’s definitely welcome!

BOTTOM LINE: The title may make you think that The Solitude Suite will be a moody and reflective listening experience. Quite the contrary, from the opening clarion call of “What Would Eddie Do,” this recording will wake up your ears with its original, inspired and exceptionally played jazz.