Warne Marsh - Marshlands (2003)

The music on this collection is consistently brilliant, but all of the 13 performances are easily available elsewhere on seven Warne Marsh Storyville CDs. The cool-toned and always adventurous tenor saxophonist is heard in two different quintets with altoist Lee Konitz, playing trio numbers with bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Alan Levitt, performing duets with bassist Red Mitchell, and jamming with the Kenny Drew Trio. The music, taken from Marsh's visits to Copenhagen in 1975 and 1980, features Marsh jamming over familiar chord changes and effortlessly coming up with one fresh melodic idea after another. He was in prime form during this period and is quite inspired throughout, making this set a fine introduction to his playing, although veteran fans will want the complete sessions.

Review by Scott Yanow