Steve Marcus Project CD

Steve Marcus was best known in his career for playing tenor and soprano with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Larry Coryell and Buddy Rich. Marcus took over the Rich Orchestra after the drummer's death, leading the part-time band for years. This CD was one of the saxophonist's final recordings. He is on six of the eight selections, playing quite well, particularly on "Skylark," John Coltrane's "Up 'Gainst the Wall" and Chick Corea's "Steps." After Marcus died on September 25, 2005, the sidemen from this project recorded two additional numbers; a mostly themeless version of "Oleo" and "Footprints," so there would be enough music to fill in the CD. In addition to Marcus, the main soloist is the versatile guitarist Bill Bickford, with bassist Rick Petrone and drummer Joe Corsello contributing stimulating support and musical commentary. Overall this is a worthy effort and an excellent final effort from the underrated but skillful saxophonist. ~ Scott Yanow

Steve Marcus: Steve Marcus; Rick Petrone (electric bass); Bill Bickford, Joe Corsello.

Personnel: Steve Marcus (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bill Bickford (guitar); Joe Corsello (drums, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Michael Cuscuna.

Recording information: Ambient Studios, Stamford, CT (02/03/2006/03/06/2003); Carriage House, Stamford, CT (02/03/2006/03/06/2003).JazzTimes (pp.94-95) - "Bickford's 'House of Cads,' an angular, rockish line with edgy chords, is Marcus' best soprano performance, his swirling, pentatonic lines and oboe-like tone making a highly charged statement."