Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra Fathom This: A Retrospective CD

Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra includes: Rach Cztar (sopranino, soprano, alto & baritone saxophones); Roxtar (sopranino & soprano saxophones); Kelley Hart-Jenkins, Kristen Strom (soprano & alto saxophones); Dale Mills, John Davis (alto & tenor saxophones); Don Stevens (alto & contrabass saxophones); Art Springs (tenor & bass saxophones); Kevin Stewart, Ann Stamm Merrell (baritone saxophone).

Additional personnel includes: James Kassis (marimba, drums); John Shifflet, Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass); Paul Van Wageningen (drums); Ashwin Batish (tablas).

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

The members of the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra are not unaware of the comic possibilities of a band that plays nothing but saxophones, and all seven varieties, from the 18-inch sopranino to the six-foot, eight-inch contrabass. They exploit those possibilities by filling their repertoire with fruity oldies like "Alabamy Bound," "Sweet Georgia Brown," and "Darktown Strutter's Ball," not to mention the absurdly melodramatic "Also Sprach Zarathustra." But they are also capable of subtle swinging on Duke Ellington and George Gershwin compositions. This compilation draws from their five previous albums and adds two new recordings, "Kramat" and "Amazing Grace," as well as re-recordings of "Harlem Nocturne" and "Also Sprach Zarathustra." It provides a sense of the range of their performances and of the many sounds that can come out of a saxophone. ~ William Ruhlmann

collection of the best tracks from saxophone orchestra's 5 previous albums, inc. 3 brand new tracks - this fun blowing date has them moving through classics & originals with elan & style...a nice find for jazzbos on the prowl for something new

Recorded at Music Annex, Menlo Park, California; Bayview Studios, Richmond, California; Studio D, Sausalito, California.

Full performer name: Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra.

Personnel: Kristen Strom (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Kelley Hart-Jenkins (soprano saxophone); Don Stevens (alto saxophone); Dale Mills (tenor saxophone); Kevin Stewart (baritone saxophone); Art Springs (bass saxophone).

Recording information: Bayview Studios, CA; Music Annex, Menlo Park, CA; Studio D, Sausalito, CA.

Photographer: Paul Schraub.JazzTimes (5/00, p.194) - "...A delightful variety of timbres, groupings and styles....containing diverse tracks from each of their 5 previous albums, plus a few new tunes....employing clever, inventive arrangements, and many of the improvised solos...soar."
Dirty Linen (2-3/00, p.81) - "...[they] are the most original of the current...saxophone groups. FATHOM draws from the 5 albums that the sextet has recorded since its inception in 1981....swinging jazz..."