Mike DiRubbo: From The Inside Out (2005 – Criss Cross)

The proliferation of accomplished young saxophonists continues with New Haven native Mike DiRubbo’s debut on Sharp Nine, which continues its admirable policy of promoting undiscovered but no less deserving talent. DiRubbo, now 28 years old, was only 23 when From the Inside Out was recorded in 1994. He’d already graduated from the Hartt School of Music, where he studied under alto master Jackie McLean, and was playing in the Explorer’s Quintet with trombonist Steve Davis, his front’line companion here. Besides the seasoned pianist Bruce Barth, the rhythm section includes another of DiRubbo’s teachers from Hartt, bassist Nat Reeves, and drummer Carl Allen, who played with Reeves in McLean’s small ensemble. DiRubbo, who says his approach and phraseology are based more on the tenor saxophone than the alto (and he speaks the truth), is firmly rooted in the bop tradition, as are his compositions (four are included, the vamp to one of which, ‘Blues to Your Old Country,’ sounds like Duke Pearson’s ‘Jeannine’). There are echoes of McLean, and Parker too, in DiRubbo’s keen’edged horn, as well as such tenor influences as Trane, Rollins, Shorter, Mobley and others. What emerges is an alert, expressive voice that should become bolder and more persuasive as the years go by. Davis, obviously inspired by J.J. Johnson among others, is relaxed and fluent, but content for the most part to let DiRubbo command the spotlight. Davis makes it a quintet on six of the nine tracks including his original composition, ‘The Search Within.’ DiRubbo and pianist Barth play a duet on the saxophonist’s ballad ‘For First,’ which leads directly to the fleet’footed finale, Dizzy Gillespie’s explicitly titled ‘Bebop,’ played sans Davis. Barth has another emphatic solo on that one, while the rhythm section is nimble and productive as ever. While there’s nothing seismic in DiRubbo’s debut, it does serve as a noteworthy preamble to what could be a long and prolific career.
Jack Bowers – All About Jazz

Tracklist:
1. From the Inside Out
2. Rue de la Harpe
3. Role Reversal
4. You’re a Weaver of Dreams
5. Blues to Your Old Country
6. Over the Rainbow
7. Search Within, The
8. For First
9. Bebop

Personnel:
Mike DiRubbo (alto sax)
Steve Davis (trb)
Bruce Barth (piano)
Nat Reeves (bass)
Carl Allen (drums)

Original Release Date: April 10, 1999 – Label: Sharp Nine Records

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Christian McBride: Kind of Brown (2009 – Mack Avenue Records)

Bassist/composer Christian McBride is one of the most in-demand sidemen in the music business, having toured and recorded with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Diana Krall and Sting. The Philadelphia-native has also made a name for himself as a daring leader, exploring both acoustic and electronic styles. For Kind of Brown, his premier date for the Detroit-based Mack Avenue Records, McBride introduces his new acoustic jazz quintet Inside Straight, featuring pianist Eric Scott Reed, saxophonist Steve Wilson, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, Jr. and drummer Carl Allen.

The elegant funk of the opening blues, “Brother Mister,” allows Reed, Wilson and Wolf to warm up on a down-home groove set up by McBride and Allen. The breezy mood is then interrupted as McBride rips through the intro to Freddie Hubbard’s up-tempo swinger, “Theme for Kareem.” The ferocious post-bop vibe showcases the quintet’s command of the modern jazz language with unrivaled technique.

Lyricism shines through on “Rainbow Wheel” and “Starbeam,” two of McBride’s more poignant compositions. The gospel vibe of “Used ‘Ta Cha” is a spirited good time with fun, blues-based soloing from all, including a punchy bowed turn from McBride. “The Shade of the Cedar Tree,” which first appeared on McBride’s debut as a leader, Gettin’ To It (Verve, 1995), moves elegantly from swing to Latin with soaring solos from Wolf, Wilson and Reed.

Reed’s vivacious “Pursuit of Peace” has a straight-forward melody on top of an intricate bass line, creating a contrapuntal effect with plenty of soul. McBride’s beautiful waltz tribute to the late pianist James Williams, “Uncle James,” features an impressive melodic turn from Wilson on soprano saxophone. “Stick & Move” is a barn-burner of a blues ripe with juicy blowing. The go-for-broke attitude here is a highlight of the session.

McBride closes the disc with bow in hand on the standard “Where Are You?,” done as a lovely duet with reed; a quiet close to a disc of utmost sophistication and virtuosity.

John Barron (All About Jazz)

Track List:

1. Brother Mister 04:54 

2. Theme For Kareem 07:52 

3. Rainbow Wheel 06:30 

4. Starbeam 06:38 

5. Used Ta Could 06:35 

6. The Shade Of The Cedar Tree 07:50 

7. Pursuit Of Peace 06:06 

8. Uncle James 05:27 

9. Stick & Move 08:07 

10. Where Are You?  04:19

Personnel:

Christian McBride (bass) 

Carl Allen (drums) 

Steve Wilson (alto sax) 

Eric Scott Reed (piano) 

Warren Wolf, Jr. (vibes)

Original Release Date: June 16, 2009  –  Label: Mack Avenue Records 

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