This post is by Scott
Recorded on November 30 & December 01, 1982
The sound of Bennie Wallace's saxophone hearkens back to the thick-toned fathers of the instrument -- players like Coleman Hawkins, Chu Berry, and Herschel Evans -- but he avoids the trap of mere imitation. Despite his old-school sound, Wallace's music is thoroughly contemporary.
On Big Jim's Tango, arguably the finest record in Wallace's discography, he nods in the direction of another tenor giant, Sonny Rollins, by recording in a trio setting. Dispensing with the harmonic support that a pianist provides, the sax trio instrumentation forces each of the players to carry more musical weight. And in this case, the trio succeeds brilliantly.
Wallace wrote four of the album's five cuts; the fifth is Cole Porter's "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." All of them are strong compositions, not just blowing vehicles. Rather than missing the sonic variety that a pianist offers, the pared down setting feels fantastic -- unadorned and naked. It also highlights the playing of Holland and Jones, whose contributions are much more integral than simple rhythmic support.
In the late-70s and early-80s, Wallace was swimming with the tide of many jazz musicians who were turning (or re-turning) to "the tradition" to help reinvigorate their music. Unlike much of it, which still sounds derivative and even formulaic, Wallace's music is vital and creative. From this listener's perspective, he strikes a perfect balance between old and new, traditional and modern, convention and innovation.
For another taste of Wallace's delightful old-is-new sound, listen to Bennie Wallace Plays Monk (Enja, 1981). Immediately preceding Big Jim's Tango, it features another all-star supporting cast -- with Jimmy Knepper (tb), Eddie Gomez (b), and Dannie Richmond (d). Given the personnel, it's perhaps no surprise that the music sounds like Monk interpreted through the prism of Mingus. It's a delicious (and again piano-less) combination!
What a dream trio. Elvin Jones and Dave Holland backing Bennie Wallace. This album is everything Scott says it is. AND, it's marvelously recorded by David Baker in analogue. The LP is great. I haven't heard the CD or digital download.
ReplyDeleteBennie Wallace became something of an audiophile fave due to his albums on Audioquest and Groove Note. These are less adventurous and include more standards. But they're also sonically great.