Grant Stewart - Tenor And Soul (2005)

Grant Stewart sounds like a throwback to earlier eras on this 2005 session. His full-bodied tenor sax has a bit of Coleman Hawkins and Dexter Gordon at times, though he is very much finding his own voice. The bluesy "Willow Weep for Me" is as much a feature for guitarist Joe Cohn (son of the late master tenorist Al Cohn), while the breezy setting of "Old Devil Moon" features the leader's explosive solo. The Latin setting of "On Green Dolphin Street" seems almost obligatory for jazz musicians, though Stewart's lush tenor makes it worthwhile listening. The brisk take of Charles Mingus' rarely performed "Tijuana Gift Shop" is a welcome change from standard jazz repertoire. Two originals add trumpeter Ryan Kisor: the intricate "Alacant" and the hip, slinky "Dr. Bob's Nightmare." ~Ken Dryden