Mad Duran: How Deep is the Ocean?
Musicians:
Mad Duran (alto sax), Eddie Duran (guitar), Ray Drummond (bass), Akira Tana (drums).
Composed by Irving Berlin
.Recorded: Berkeley, February 14 & 15, 2005
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
Mad Duran has long been admired among the San Francisco jazz insiders for her first-class alto work, and though she has been featured alongside her husband, Bay Area guitar legend Eddie Duran, on previous recordings, this is her first solo leader date. Fans who check out this release will wonder why she waited so long. Her playing is distinguished by smart linear improvisations, free from cliché and played with a rich, full-bodied tone, as supple as a '94 Napa cabernet.
The rest of the band adds to the festivities. Great rhythm sections begin at home . . . well, they do when you are married to Eddie Duran, who reminds us here of his mastery of the six strings. And the proceedings are enlivened by the further addition of Ray Drummond and Akira Tana. The result is a fresh and creative reworking of Irving Berlin's famous standard. In short, Simply Mad is simply fine.
Reviewer: Ted Gioia
Tags: how deep is the ocean · irving berlin covers
Her" feel"n is one of true emotional truth and it is a poignant statement. I am mad about Mad!