Walt Weiskopf Quartet - Live at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina (2008)

Walt Weiskopf led a quartet with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Tony Reedus in the spring of 2008 at the University of South Carolina. Although the musicians knew the live concert documented here was being recorded, the recording was initially intended for archival needs rather than as a commercial release. Around the time that the tenor saxophonist realized how good the performances were from the concert, Reedus collapsed and died from an embolism upon his return from a European tour in November 2008. The quartet members are at their very best throughout this concert, as they bring life to Weiskopf's compositions with their brilliant improvising and on-the-money accompaniment. There are two standards, an expressive "Blame It on My Youth," featuring Weiskopf's powerful solo, and a lighthearted, breezy "Love for Sale." Aside from the traditional "Scottish Folk Song" (introduced by the leader with Gill playing arco), played at a loping, nostalgic tempo, the remaining tracks are primarily Weiskopf's compositions. One exception is Rosnes' brilliant "Dizzy Spells" (a delicious reworking of the late trumpeter's "Con Alma"), which is combined in a medley with an extended workout of Weiskopf's "Jay-Walking." Other highlights include the tricky, constantly shifting "Blues in the Day" and the turbulent post-bop vehicle "Breakdown." Highly recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Capri Records Ltd., 74109-2, 2011
Recorded 8th April, 2008 at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina 

Musicians:
Walt Weiskopf - Tenor Saxophone
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Paul Gill - Bass
Tony Reedus - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Man Of Many Colors {Walt Weiskopf} (6:42)
2. Little Minor Love Song {Walt Weiskopf} (10:39)
3. Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes} / Jay-Walking {Walt Weiskopf} (9:20)
4. Blues In The Day {Walt Weiskopf} (7:44)
5. Scottish Folk Song {Traditional; Arr. Walt Weiskopf} (8:25)
6. Blame It On My Youth {Oscar Levant, Edward Heyman} (7:37)
7. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (8:29)
8. Breakdown {Walt Weiskopf} (9:00) 

Total Time: 67:56 

Credits:
Producer - Walt Weiskopf
Executive Producer - Thomas Burns
Mastering - Jeff Francis
Photography [Walt] - Gildas Boclé
Sleeve Design - Paul Thibault 

N.B.
Applause has been carefully edited except for last track where Walt announces band. 

Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes}