Miles Osland Kentucky Roastup CD

Principally recorded at DBH Sound Studios, Lexington, Kentucky on July 3-5, 1997 and June 6-7, 1998. Includes liner notes by David Demsey.

University jazz programs are one of the more prolific sources of jazz, especially jazz improvisation. Not having to worry about being "commercial," they can indulge in being adventurous by presenting jazz music in a format and style that might not otherwise be available to the public. Combine that with a label like Sea Breeze, which traditionally has been willing to record and release performances by top university jazz groups, and the result is inspired performances of outstanding jazz compositions. Such is the case with Kentucky Roastup, performed by University of Kentucky jazz studies director Miles Osland and his saxophone quartet. Exploring the saxophone from several angles, the group offers a varied and eclectic program of original music, classical compositions (including a major piece of music for saxophone by composer Pierre Max Dubois), and standards by Billy Strayhorn, resulting in 70-plus minutes of engrossing listening. The program offers the chance for the group to play a wide spectrum of musical styles. There's "Ulla in Africa," which captures the exuberance of "high life," a common way of celebrating and having a good time throughout West African countries like Ghana and Liberia. The music evokes the images of swaying African rhythms under the thatched roofs of bush bars common to that part of the continent. Matters take a decidedly classical twist with "Quartette (Allegro de Concert)," a two-movement work that brings to fore the classical musical potential of the saxophone. Phil Woods' "Deer Head Sketches," which cleverly combines classical and jazz forms and rhythms, is a favorite of the saxophone quartet format, having been visited by such groups as the New York Saxophone Quartet, for which it was originally composed, and the Amherst Saxophone Quartet. This is very cerebral stuff, once more bringing the saxophone into a classical setting. An especially fun piece is "Americana Suite," a medley of old popular music like "Hello My Baby" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." One of Osland's other groups, the University of Kentucky Mega-Sax Quartet, guests on "Take the 'A' Train." The coda to the whole affair is "The Star Spangled Banner," done with respectful jazz voicings. Given that the only instrument on this album is the saxophone, imaginative instrumentation has been employed to avoid the repetitious and mundane. This album is a well-conceived, well-executed piece of work, and is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan

The Osland Saxophone Quartet: Miles Osland (soprano saxophone); Johnathan Anderson (alto saxophone); Lisa Parent Osland (tenor saxophone); Larry Nelson (baritone saxophone).

UK Mega-Sax Quartet: Corey Lareau (soprano saxophone); Bryan Murray (alto saxophone); Billy Kerr (tenor saxophone); Jeremy Long (baritone saxophone); Jamie Podojil (drums).JazzTimes (3/00, p.106) - "...a savory smorgasboard with something to please just about every taste....a superb outing by one of the genre's truly great ensembles."