When I first heard that Mark Colby was recording a mainstream jazz duo album, I was thrilled. Mark had issued a couple of leader recordings in the contemporary/smooth jazz genre during the 90s that were excellent. Still, I’d hoped that he would issue an album of mainstream jazz and standards.

This CD is called Reunion and was released on Hallway Records. It is available from Amazon.com and the record label (http://www.hallwayrecords.com/store/). I bought my copy directly from Mark.

I’ve known Mark for about 10 years, as his student and a friend. He’s a tremendous player. Regarded as one of the very best saxophonists in Chicago (and nationally, for that matter), he’s an extremely busy musician. He is a versatile player (leader, performer, jingles), teacher (DePaul University and others) and clinician for Selmer Saxophones. He’s had a long and very productive career, after breaking in with the Maynard Ferguson band. He had some albums under his own name on Columbia records in the late 70's, now regrettably out of print. He’s been a busy session musician as well, working with many big names, including Dr. John (God rest his soul).

For this CD, he chose a very challenging format - that of a duo with a piano. His partner is Vince Maggio, with whom Mark played while they both lived in Miami. Their interplay with each other is compelling - it’s obvious that they are very together, even though they have spent many years apart. Another interesting feature of this duo is that each has extremely solid internal time, so much so that Maggio can comp and he and Mark can play freely, without needing to lay down a steady rhythmic pulse.

Listening to Mark on this CD is like having a saxophone lesson in itself. His sound can range from a whisper to smooth to powerful to incredibly intense. Obviously influenced by Stan Getz, he’s listened to lots of players and forged his own bright sound and unique ideas. Quotes abound throughout. His technique is very smooth and capable at all tempos, but appropriate and not at all gratuitous. He plays mostly on tenor, but on soprano, his sound is warmer and just as compelling. For me, even with all the things that Mark does well, his intensity during the climaxes of his tenor solos is what really sends me. It’s an irresistible force.

The repertoire is also very compelling. It includes a wide range of tunes by such players and composes as Wayne Shorter, Jobim, Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea and Sonny Rollins, among others. There’s a nice range of tempos and feels.

The sound quality is excellent, as is the playing. After looking at my flyers from the Columbia Music Club, I think comparing this sublime recording to major label recordings might actually be an insult. This is a tremendous performance by two great jazzmen. Well-played, well-recorded.

The last time I saw Mark live was this spring when he did a clinic in Des Plaines, IL for Selmer. He sounded wonderful as he did a couple of solo sax tunes: Up Jumped Spring, included on this CD, and My One And Only Love, one of my favorite songs. I got good news, too. Mark told me that he had recorded a live straight-ahead quartet date at the Jazz Showcase club in Chicago and that it could be released in the fall.

If you like mainstream jazz saxophone, you should get this recording. Period. 5 stars is not enough.

Mark Colby, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
Vince Maggio, Piano

Cut List:
You And The Night And The Music
Windows
I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life
O Grande Amor
Lester Left Town
Soul Eyes
Up Jumped Spring
Airegin
Miyako
Felicidade
Once In A Garden


Thanks for reading. God bless!

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: At Work