Artist: Dave O'Higgins

Date of Release:

Catalogue no: JITCD0847

Label: Jazzizit

Price: £10

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Track Listing

Appearances by

Tom Cawley

The opening title track In The Zone alternates between latin & swing & recalls the Wayne Shorter Jazz Messengers era with a quote from Coltrane’s Giant Steps in the melody. It’s obvious that Martin Shaw on trumpet & Dave have a great empathy in their phrasing.

The Story So Far is an easy going original tune that sounds like a standard.

Operation Yardbird is dedicated to Charlie Parker with a tricky boppish melody. It is based on the changes of Sonny Stitt’s Eternal Triangle and played with a turbo-charged energy feel akin to some of the recent Kenny Garrett Quartets

Theme For Ernie is a beautiful ballad played by Coltrane by guitarist, Fred Lacey.

Take The D-Train has become a favourite with the musicians, & is a fierce 16 bar minor blues theme penned by the magnificent tenorist, Steve Grossman. Dave learnt this tune with the Norwegian group, Urban Connection, when he stepped into Grossman’s shoes for the gig.

You Must Believe In Spring – Michel Legrand’s haunting melody is introduced only at the end of explorations on the chord sequence.

Fiasco – this is a great burn-up for soprano & trumpet, alternating 4/4 & 3/4. It was titled in desperation on a poorly organised tour.

Young at Heart is a wonderful melody that Sinatra used to sing. Dave has dedicated this to his sister, Lisa, who died from cancer a few years ago.

Smile kicks off with the Dexter Gordon break from Dexter Calling. Charlie Chaplin’s melody is played in 2 keys & the solos follow in fashion.

Ca-Lee-So is a calypso written by Lee Morgan. Sonny Rollins used to love playing calypsos & this is a nod in that direction. It’s a happy tune & Martin, Tom & Dave trade.

This whole album was recorded properly live in the studio – over 2 afternoons in May 2007. 17 tracks were recorded in all & this represents a good selection.

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