Stan Killian makes an
impressive debut as a leader with Unified, featuring the tenor saxophonist with
pianist Benito Gonzalez, a rotating cast of bassists (Corcoran Holt or Bryan
Copeland), and drummers (Darrell Green or McClenty Hunter), along with a few guests
(trumpeters Roy Hargrove and Jeremy Pelt plus alto saxophonist David Binney).
The leader, a big-toned player with a versatile sound, wrote six of the CD's
seven songs, all of which stand up to repeated hearings. "Twin Dark
Mirrors" throws a bit of a curve, with Killian's Coltrane-like sax and
Hargrove's soft-spoken trumpet trading licks over Gonzalez's glistening piano
in the introduction, then the piece shifts into an upbeat, strolling post-bop
mood; it's not surprising to learn that it is Killian's salute to Miles Davis'
recordings with Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Wayne Shorter. Pelt joins Killian
for a lively workout in "Center," which is built upon a solid, catchy
rhythm. Binney is added for Gonzalez's spry "Elvin's Sight," a
boisterous, midtempo cooker with an infectious Latin undercurrent. Both
saxophonists shine with their contrasting solos, with Killian being more
reserved than the adventurous Binney, while the composer's turn in the
spotlight is solid hard bop. The blend of the two saxophonists creates a lush
mood in Killian's quiet ballad "Unified." The various combinations of
bassists and drummers provide a solid foundation for the soloists throughout
the sessions. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, AMG.
Sunnyside Records, SSC 1282, 2011
Recorded 8th
April, 2010 At Peter Karl Studios, Brooklyn, New York
Musicians:
Stan Killian - Tenor
Saxophone
Roy Hargrove - Trumpet (#1,5)
Jeremy Pelt - Trumpet (#4,7)
David Binney - Alto Saxophone
(#2,3,6)
Benito Gonzalez - Piano
Corcoran Holt - Bass
(#1,4,5,7)
Bryan Copeland - Bass
(#2,3,6)
Darrell Green - Drums
(#1-3,5,6)
McClenty Hunter - Drums
(#4,7)
Tracks:
1. Twin Dark Mirror {Stan
Killian} (7:29)
2. Elvin'S Sight {Benito
Gonzalez} (8:14)
3. Unified {Stan Killian}
(6:30)
4. Center {Stan Killian}
(9:28)
5. Isosceles {Stan Killian}
(6:42)
6. Window Of Time {Stan
Killian} (7:52)
7. Eternal Return {Stan
Killian} (7:00)
Credits:
Producer - Stan Killian
Engineer, Mixing &
Mastering - Michael Perez-Cisneros
Assistant - Paul Occhialini
Graphic Design - Christopher
Drukker
Photography - Kat Kojic, Wayne Tucker
