Phil Urso Salute Chet Baker CD

This newly recorded session features Denver's legendary Tenor Saxophonist Phil Urso coupled with LA's hottest jazz trumpeter Carl Saunders. Backed by an exciting Denver based rhythm section (Paul Romaine, Colin Gieg, and Keith Waters) the group plays tunes associated with the great trumpet player Chet Baker."Phil Urso is a magical name from jazz history, one who made his mark on jazz in the 1950s, settled far outside of New York and has continued playing up to the present day away from the spotlight. His tone on tenor was harder than one normally associates with West Coast jazz (closer to Hank Mobley than to Bob Cooper) and his driving playing helped Baker to evolve from cool jazz to hard bop. A skilled songwriter (his "Halema" is particularly memorable) and arranger, he was a stabilizing force in Chet Baker's career during 1955-57". I can speak for the many bebop and Chet Baker fans when I say "Welcome back Phil Urso!"Scott Yanow,Author of seven jazz books including Trumpet Kings, Bebop, Swing and Afro-Cuban Jazz

Personnel: Phil Urso (tenor saxophone); Carl Saunders (trumpet); Keith Waters (piano); Colin Gieg (bass); Paul Romaine (drums).
Composer: Phil Urso.
Personnel: Phil Urso (tenor saxophone); Phil Urso; Keith Waters, Keith Waters (piano); Carl Saunders (trumpet); Paul Romaine (drums).
Liner Note Author: Scott Yanow .
Recording information: Greywood Studio, Denver, CO (10/24/2002/10/25/2002).
This tribute album is notable for several reasons. It marks the return of tenor saxophonist Phil Urso after a 16-year absence from the recording studio. Urso, who appeared on several of Chet Baker's best recordings during the '50s and '60s, salutes the late trumpeter with interpretations of songs often associated with him. Finally, this exciting release marks the debut of the Jazzed Media label. Although Urso had not recorded for a long stretch, it doesn't mean that he was not active as a player. Having just celebrated his 77th birthday prior to the sessions, he still packs a punch on his instrument, and blends very well with trumpeter Carl Saunders, though it was their first time playing together. Urso's lovely ballad "Halema," which was named after Baker's wife at the time of its initial recording, features great interplay between the two leaders. His snappy "Way to Go" swings mightily, and deserves upbeat lyrics to go along with it. The hard boppish "Jumpin' Off a Clef," the rhythmic "For Minors Only," "Baby Breeze," and the catchy "Mister B" (originally recorded under the title "Ristem B"), will all be familiar ground to those who already own the earlier versions recorded by Urso under Baker's leadership. Pianist Keith Waters, bassist Colin Gieg, and drummer Paul Romaine provide a solid foundation for the two horns, and also shine during their respective solos on this very rewarding CD. ~ Ken Dryden