Alexander Claffy: Live in Philadelphia Vol 1

CELLAR JAZZ (RELEASED MARCH 27, 2026

Tenor great Sonny Rollins did not enjoy recording in a studio setting, claiming that the experience inhibited his creative process. Bassist Alexander Claffy and his quintet most likely feel the same way after reviewing the tapes from their live sets at Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia. There is nothing inhibited in the way Claffy, alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, pianist Kevin Hays and drummer Bill Stewart attack the eight tunes on Alive in Philadelphia, Vol 1. Hays starts the proceedings with a soothing introduction to George Shearing’s “She.” Stewart’s dynamic drumming and Shaw’s searching alto turns the tune into a modal romp. The mood becomes a little relaxed during Hays solo only to be bolstered back up when Blake takes the spotlight. The intensity continues with 7.5, a great of example of what some may call modern-day bebop. Like bebop tunes, 7.5 features a solid bass line delivered by Claffu, an intricate head shared by Shaw and Blake and everyone trying to outdo the other on soaring solos. Shaw’s alto sings the blues on Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” and Blake’s sensual tenor sings through a classic ballad rendition of “Without a Song.” The trio of Claffy, Hays and Stewart stretch out on Brodszky and Cahn’s “Be My Love,” that features a sonically rich bass solo from the leader. Everyone gets a chance to solo on Wayne Shorter’s “Oriental Folk Song” including Stewart, who trades fours with the horns in much the same way Elvin Jones did on the original recording fromShorter’s Night Dreamer. The set ends on a high note with a version of John Coltrane’s “Just for Love,” a somewhat obscure Coltrane tune that appeared on Paul Chamber’s 1953 Whims of Chamber release. Hopefully, this is not the end for Live in Philadelphia. After all, this is just Volume 1 and Claffy and the band spent several nights at Chris’ Jazz Café — uninhibited and unwavering in their commitment to imbibe azz from the past with modern day sensibilities.

BOTTOM LINE: Bassist Alexander Claffy has the home court advantage on Alive in Philadelphia, Vol 1. For starters, he’s playing at Chris’ Jazz Café, a club he has played in since he was 14. Second, among the members of the group is another Philly boy — saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. You can feel the energy and excitement of this hometown crowd in the energy and excitement of the group’s playing. Plus a shout out to my hometown boy from Des Moines, Iowa – Bill Stewart.