Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Dave Anderson Quartet: Clarity

Pony Boy Records
By Ric Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 9.2.10
Buy CD: Clarity


Dave Anderson is another member of the great cadre of musicians who make Seattle their home. He began to play the alto sax at age 11, added the soprano sax when a teenager, then the tenor and baritone shortly thereafter. He won several scholarships and ultimately graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1990. Prior to settling in Seattle, he worked in both Minneapolis and New York City.

The quartet featured on this, Anderson's debut release, came together in 2008. Anderson had studied piano at one time under John Hansen, who plays that instrument her; bassist Chuck Kistler and drummer Adam Kessler also are from Seattle. One track also features the well-known Thomas Marriott on flugelhorn.

Although the quartet is the main focus, several different combinations are utilized: Marriott's addition results in a quintet; the piano is omitted to form a trio setting on one track; and another utilizes solely alto and piano. All the tunes are Anderson originals, except for a cover of Joe Henderson's “Y Ya la Quiero.”

This group plays “thoughtful” jazz, and while the album isn't a burner, everything swings nicely.

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