Noah Preminger

Ballads

Chill Tone

It is certainly not unusual for acclaimed tenor saxophonists to take the ballad route. Perhaps the most notable example is John Coltrane who did it both instrumentally and with vocalist Johnny Hartman. Michael Brecker put out the stunning 2001 The Nearness of You: The Ballad Book and there is litany ranging from Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine to more contemporary artists such as Joe Lovano, Mark Turner, Eric Alexander, and Wayne Escoffery. Yes, there are many more too but now Noah Preminger enters this fold with the simply titled Ballads. While the term generally connotes standards, that is not a requirement as many have delivered originals or a mix, which is what Preminger mostly does. The elegance of ballads brings out the best in the tone of the tenor saxophone and allows the artist to be even more expressive than he might be on more up tempo material. Generally it’s a detour from the artist’s more aggressive offerings as was the case with Coltrane and Brecker and is true for Preminger as well, as he’s known for intense, bracing work (THUNDA and The Dank, Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground).  Preminger is a two-time winner of DownBeat magazine;s “Rising Star- Tenor Saxophonist” honor.

Preminger takes the usual route, leading a quartet. His is comprised of pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Allan Mednard. It was also imperative for Preminger to get the purest, best possible sound which is the mission of Chill Tone Records and its producers, engineers, and mixers; in this case Chris Leon. Preminger has four originals and three covers.

We’ll take the originals first. The dark chords from Shore presage “Unfair World,” with Preminger’s entry sounding equally as foreboding. As the piece evolves, Preminger increasingly reaches into the upper register, suggesting there may be some hope emerging from the gloom. Similarly, Shore’s piano solo is elegant, and leaning on the joyous side only to have the ominous tones from both reappearing to close the piece. “In Our 20s” moves breezily over the insistent beat laid down by Cass and Mednard, with Preminger serving almost as an expressive vocalist as he weaves his lines.”Democracy” settles nicely into the ballad mode with Mednard’s whispering brushwork and Preminger’s elongated lines. It’s temping to read into this one given the threats to democracy that we currently face. It does have a gently swaying quality and shimmering piano from Shore but these ears can’t resist focusing on some of the darker tones which are also present. “Pneu” moves along slowly and stealthily with utmost restraint until we rather surprisingly get a ferocious exchange between Cass and Mednard.

In terms of the covers, there is only one rather predictable standard, Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me,” which begins as a duo between Preminger and Cass before the other two quartet member join after the one minute mark. It’s an aching, sublime, and reverent take. While that one closes the album, it serves as a bookend of sorts for the opener, “Stan’s Mood,” an overlooked piece from early in Stan Getz’s career that’s rarely been covered. Preminger embraces the melody as if cuddling fondly with a furry pet, while the backing trio keeps the fire at a gentle smoldering level, accented by Shore’s pensive solo. Even more surprising though is the inclusion of a pop tune, “Carry Me Ohio,” written by singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek aka Sun Kil Moon. Preminger recalls playing the song for his now 2-year-old son while he was still in the womb. This, like “Pneu,” has a mesmerizing, hypnotic effect conducive to all kinds of wandering dreams.

Preminger steps up and admirably meets the challenge, knowing he’s facing a formidable legacy of tenorists in the ballad mode.

– Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter