Journey, The

MAINSTREAM JAZZ COMBO

Veteran alto sax great and Mingus alumnus, Charles McPherson, teams up here with a tenor saxophonist who’s a high school music teacher. (They met at a masters clinic: what a story!)
The two horn players are backed up by piano, bass & drums. Tracks include six originals, two old show tunes, and a classic by Bird.

No FCC issues.

1 ** Fast. Joyful. Led at start & end by the two saxes; the middle several minutes features a good piano solo by the composer. (6:56)
2 Slow. Lovely late night ballad. Saxes trade off the melody; they’re backed by elegant and minimal accompaniment. Good track for a mellow mood. (6:50)
3 ** Fast. Jumpin’ bebop version of a Rogers & Hart tune. Good piano & tenor solos. (5:51)
4 Mid-tempo. Sax section wander; piano is heavy handed. At this length, it’s dreary. (10:05)
5 ** Fast. Faithful reading of a Charlie Parker bebop classic. Good solos. (4:22)
6 Slow. Sad love song. Duet for alto sax and piano. (6:08)
7 * Mid-tempo. Drives along with propulsive bass & drums. Catchy melody. (4:25)
8 * Mid-tempo. Tenor plays soulful melody; rhythm section keeps up a gentle swing. (6:19)
9 ** Very fast. Each player (alto, then tenor, then piano, then bass, finally drums) takes a fine solo. Whole band takes the piece out together. McPherson’s best composition. (4:40)