Terell Stafford: Le Maurier
Musicians:
Terell Stafford (flugelhorn), Dick Oatts (alto sax), Mulgrew Miller (piano),
Derrick Hodge (bass), Dana Hall (drums)
.Composed by Terell Stafford
.Recorded: Brooklyn, NY, January 15-16, 2003
Rating: 91/100 (learn more)
"Le Maurier" is the second movement of Terell Stafford's New Beginnings Suite and is dedicated to Jon Faddis, a renowned trumpeter and mentor to Stafford. The composition is well written, with a slow, pensive melody, and Stafford's flugelhorn tone is a near-perfect match for the piece. It blends almost seamlessly with Dick Oatts's alto and, when Stafford plays alone, is reminiscent of the human voice. Stafford's solo is brief but awe-inspiring. Rather than playing to impress, Stafford carefully constructs a heartfelt melody as he floats over the chord changes. The rhythm section provides a slightly busier accompaniment when Oatts enters and offers his interpretation. At the close of Oatts's beautiful solo, the trumpeter introduces a background figure and Oatts joins him. They end the tune in unison, and Stafford plays a tasteful cadenza over the closing chords.
Reviewer: Greg Marchand
Tags: 2000s jazz · flugelhorn
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