Fred Hess - Right at Home - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Denver, Colorado-based saxophonist Fred Hess composed all the tunes on this CD, and the styles span the spectrum from blues to free jazz, with references to John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. Fred's technical facility allows him to deliver a rapid flow of ideas with a soft and smooth tone that recalls Joe Lovano. The quartet features Paul Smoker on trumpet, Ken Filiano on bass and Damon Short on drums. This album is full of stylistic variety and quirkiness. Album Tracks 1. Good Question 2. Don't Talk About It 3. Cathys Taffy 4. Mr. & Mrs. Clef Take a Vacation 5. Extended Family 6. High St 7. Boson 8. Kyudo for Ken

Fred Hess proves that jazz on the edge doesn't have to be a battle with the inexpressible - that even in it's explosiveness and unpredictability, there can be a level of stasis that's alluring to the most unaquainted fan. The musical ideas are launched in a historical context, with most cuts starting and ending on familiar ground. This CD features elaborately constructed nods to Duke Ellington on InchLoose LeavesInch and Lester Young on InchAfter the Leap.Inch the entire ensemble throws themselves into Mel Powell's InchClarinade,Inch emphasizing their devotion to collective creativity, and it proves to be an excellent springboard for their ideas. Album Tracks 1. Loose Leaves 2. Ninth Street Park 3. Pretty Little Gypsy/Chuggin' 4. Feynman Series, No. 5 5. After the Leap 6. Ho - T'u 7. Clarinade 8. Planet T 9. Close to the Beach

Fred Hess has expanded his quartet to a quintet for his latest on Tapestry, and the charts are more adventurous and challenging. He has kept the core group of Ron Miles, Ken Filiano and Matt Wilson who have provided splendid musical support on his previous recordings. Dr. Hess has always maintained a cult following in the jazz world. He has often been called a musician's musician and breaks with tradition while holding true to the lessons of the great saxophonists who came before him. Album Tracks 1. How 'Bout Now 2. Sooz Blooz 3. Song for Susan 4. Scarlett's Dance 5. Finding the Evidence 6. Clef's Ski Vacation 7. Opposites Attract 8. Gathering Moss 9. In the Moment 10. B. Quick