David Schumacher Endangered Species CD

Personnel: David Schumacher (spoken vocals, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Sam "Seguito" Turner (quinto, congas, percussion); Pablo Moya (tres); Howard Glover "Johnny" Johnson, Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone); Rob Bargad (Hammond b-3 organ); Neil Caine, Rubén Rodríguez (bass instrument); Jimmy Cobb (drums); Jason Walker (bells, bell); Jerry Weldon, Ned Goold (tenor saxophone); Robert Trowers (trombone); Gabriel Machado (congas).
Audio Mixer: Ted Klum.
Liner Note Author: Neil Tesser.
Recording information: Alltribe Studios, Little Falls, NJ.
It is obvious from the start of Endangered Species that baritonist David Schumacher has a strong sense of humor. "Too Tonal Free!Dumb?" sounds like the beginning of a bad hip-hop record, but it also lasts 37 seconds before Schumacher starts swinging on "Henry's Mad Crazy Blues." Very much a straight-ahead player although open to some of the tonal variations of the avant-garde, Schumacher makes his claim to being one of jazz's top baritonists throughout this fun set. There are a couple of departures into poetry (featuring his gravelly voice), but the emphasis is mostly on bebop, blues, and ballads, with "It's the Same Old Dream" being a heartfelt example of the latter. On "Arch's Nutty Variation," Schumacher switches horns and battles Neil Otter and Ned Goold in a tenor summit worthy of Sonny Stitt. Organist Rob Bargad and trombonist Robert Trowers are also strong assets on various selections. Highly recommended to modern bop fans. ~ Scott Yanow