Chris Cheek: What's Left
Musicians:
Chris Cheek (tenor sax), Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar), Brad Mehldau (piano),
Matt Penman (bass), Jorge Rossy (drums)
.Composed by Chris Cheek
.Recorded: New York, 1999
Rating: 92/100 (learn more)
A testament to Chris Cheek's compositional and improvisational skills is the talent of the (usually leading) sideplayers he assembles for his recordings. Two thirds of the original Brad Mehldau trio (Mehldau, Rossy) join guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and New York bassist Matt Penman on this date brimming with virtuosity from some of this generation's finest players. Mehldau acts first in Cheek's up-tempo tune with a 12/8 feel, starting slowly but quickly rattling off a few of his astounding multi-measure harmonic ideas. Cheek follows with an initially wandering but ultimately settling solo statement, followed by Rosenwinkel's sophisticated yet sensible playing. Note the complex support that Mehldau provides Rosenwinkel throughout the second half of the guitarist's improvisation. A standout recording from an in-demand saxophonist.
Reviewer: Eric Novod
Tags: 1990s jazz · tenor sax
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