Patrick Wolff Qunitet BAY BLUE
PATRICK WOLFF QUINTET
BAY BLUE
Bop City Music
Patrick Wolff, alto & tenor saxophones; Keith Saunders, piano; Eric Markowitz, bass; Evan Hughes, drums; Mike Olmos, trumpet.
Patrick Wolff is a woodwind player, competent on saxophones and clarinet. He has a long history of playing on the jazz scene in both New York City and the San Francisco Bay area. He has recorded with Albert “Tootie” Heath, Matt Wilson, Grant Stewart, Louis Moholo-Moholo, Dena Derose, and several other notable names.
In 2009, he relocated to San Francisco, playing in several popular West Coast bands. Wolff has released seven albums as a bandleader, often featuring his original music. You will hear four of his original songs on this album. The first track that Wolff composed is called, “Cool Stones.” It’s a fantastic piece of Straight-ahead excitement and energy. He is joined by the spontaneous Mike Olmos on trumpet. Keith Saunders takes a notable piano solo, introducing us to his flying fingers and flighty improvisations. They trade fours with their dynamic drummer Evan Hughes. Underneath all the excitement, Eric Markowitz holds the rhythm section tightly in place on his double bass. This is the kind of Bebop jazz I love.
When Wolff is not recording or touring, he shares his knowledge with students at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the College of San Mateo. He teaches jazz history, composition and heads ensemble classes.
The second track on this album is “Some of Frank’s Things” that’s another original ‘swing’ tune by Wolff. The tone and technique that Wolff brings to the spotlight on both his alto and tenor saxophone takes me back to the 1960s when jazz was king and folks like Benny Carter, Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath and Lester Young were setting the standard, while John Coltrane was king, and Ornette Coleman was breaking rules and making history. Wolff brings that kind of greatness to this project. The title tune (Bay Blue) is definitely rooted in the blues and is another original by Wolff.
This is a spirited production, showcasing Patrick Wolff’s great composing talents and spotlighting his super-hot quintet. Every tune is brilliantly performed, well-written, and showcases the individual talents of these fine musicians.
Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil
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