Doug Webb - Renovations (2010) + Bonus Tracks

Saxophonist extraordinaire Doug Webb builds on forward momentum and keeps working straight ahead with second release of 2010, "Renovations." This collection of timeless classics features some amazing performances by the heavy cats in the rhythm section (including pianist Larry Goldings and bassist Stanley Clarke) doing the heavy lifting behind the sensational melodicism and harmonic direction of the leader. With "Renovations," Doug Webb continues to proclaim that he is certainly a saxophonist to keep an eye on, and casual listeners and avid jazz fans everywhere will certainly want to check out Doug Webb's "Renovations." ~ dougwebb.bandcamp.com. 

Posi-Tone Records, PR8075, 2010
Recorded 24th April, 2009 at Entourage Studios, North Hollywood, California 

Musicians:
Doug Webb - Saxophones
Joe Bagg - Piano (#1,5,6,9)
Larry Goldings - Piano (#2,4,8,11)
Mahesh Balasooriya - Baby Grand Piano (#3,7,10)
Stanley Clarke - Bass
Gerry Gibbs - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Satin Doll {Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington} (7:02)
02. Then I'll Be Tired Of You {Arthur Schwartz, E.Y. Harburg} (6:45)
03. I Can't Get Started {Vernon Duke} (4:03)
04. I've Never Been In Love Before {Frank Loesser} (6:46)
05. You've Changed {Carl Fischer} (8:02)
06. They Can't Take That Away From Me {George Gershwin} (3:59)
07. Bluesette {Toots Thielemans} (7:12)
08. Slow Hot Wind {Henry Mancini} (8:11)
09. Once I Loved {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes} (8:32) *
10. Feliscia {Doug Webb} (7:28) *
11. Moose The Mooche {Charlie Parker} (7:50) * 

* Bonus Tracks 

Total Time: 75:55 

Credits:
Producer - Marc Free
Associate Producer - Nick O’Toole, Barry Shapiro
Recording Engineer - David Horner
Tracking Engineer - Ashburn Miller
Mixing and Mastering - David Horner
Photography - Ray Newton
Package Design - Jamie Brunson 

David Sills - Eastern View (2004)

With a solid organ trio backing him, tenor saxophonist David Sills grabs your attention with his very first solo on Eastern View's opener, the Sills-penned (as are all the songs here) "New Break." The tune opens with an organ-supplied bass groove backed by shimmering cymbals; then the guitar and sax enter, peeling off some tangy mid-tempo lines, until the accompaniment pulls back and Sills steps out front, with a somewhat restrained (nicely so) and articulate, straightforward monologue in front of the always inspired trio. Organist Joe Bagg has a subtle but very on-target touch as he paints his cool-toned pastel washes behind Sills and guitarist Larry Koonse. And that sets the stage for the entire disc: a fine organ trio backing a talented saxophonist on ten engaging mainstream tunes. Sills' tone has been compared to the sounds of Stan Getz and Joe Henderson. I'd lean toward the Henderson side of the comparison, and throw in some Hank Mobley into the mix, too. You can't help sounding bluesy when you've got an inspired organ trio behind you. Eastern View has a definite Blue Note Records circa-'60s vibe to it - a killer organ trio with a creatively clean-blowing saxophonist out front rolling through a bunch of straight-ahead originals. And Sills has an engaging way of going after his solos without flash or B.S., telling his personal stories while adding little Joe Henderson-like surprises along the way, small flurries that catch you a bit off-guard but still fit snuggly into his story lines. A very cool-sounding group doing more than its share to keep mainstream sounds alive and vibrant. ~ by Dan McClenaghan, AAJ. 

Origin Records, 82437, 2004
Recorded 3rd-5th January, 2004 

Musicians:
David Sills - Saxophone
Joe Bagg - Organ
Larry Koonse - Guitar
Tim Pleasant - Drums 

Tracks:
01. New Break (7:56)
02. Deep Sleep (5:26)
03. Small Peaks (6:31)
04. Stoned Eyes (6:30)
05. Eastern View (6:28)
06. Keys Found (5:08)
07. Little Key (7:35)
08. Tiger Tracks (7:18)
09. Enomily (5:18)
10. Cuttin' Back (8:38) 

All Compositions by David Sills 

Total Time: 66:54 

Credits:
Recording, Mixing - Scott Fraser
Mastering - Mark Guenther
Layout, Design - John Bishop
Photography - Okhidei Otgonjargal
Color Photo - Jeann Young