There are nights when stars align and there are nights when, improbably, they align twice. Such was the case when saxophonist Idit Shner brought along some of Eugene's finest musicians to record a live album at the Jazz station in June, 2019.
My earliest memory of this quartet playing together was for a sold-out performance celebrating Legendary altoist of Ellington band fame, Johnny Hodges. Over the next several years the group made up of Shner, pianist/organist Torry Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni would regularly play together delivering standing room only hard swinging, high energy performances. This record is no exception.
There is a level of musicianship among these players that reaches well beyond the band’s obvious technical mastery of their craft. Rather it is the risk taking, the willingness and absolute openness of each performer to listen and respond honestly at every moment with innate sensitivity and a thoughtfulness that shines through on every track.
The result is an album that truly captures the sheer joy and exuberance felt and heard each night, even in its more serious moments. But don't take it from me, let the record speak for itself and make up your own mind. I promise you it won't disappoint. - Ben LaTorraca
1 Yesterdays 8:42
2 Shake It till You Hear It Sizzle 7:33
3 Pascal's Ballad 6:00
4 Mandala 2:13
5 Hippo's Walk 7:36
6 Samba in Two 6:33
7 Present 7:28
8 Artificial Flavors 5:35
Idit Shner - alto saxophone
Torrey Newhart - piano/organ
Garrett Baxter - bass
Ken Mastrogiovanni - drums
