Thursday, November 9, 2017

Dick Oatts - Use Your Imagination (SteepleChase Productions ApS 2017)


Dick Oatts' sensitive and cerebral approach to music enhanced by his "monster chops" is manifested here again on his eleventh leader album on SteepleChase, whoch features seven original compositions plus Cole Porter's "Use Your Imagination". 

Jazz critic Owen Cordle once described Dick Oatts as "an uncompromising jazz musician, one who possesses monster chops without trumpeting them." Dick Oatts has, since his move to NYC in the late 70s, been one of the most sought-after soloists on alto sax on both the NY scene and the international stage. 

He has performed with Red Rodney, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Lewis, Jerry Bergonzi, Fred Hersch, Lester Bowie, Joe Lovano, Sam Jones-Tom Harrell, Paquito D'Rivera, Tito Puente, Kenny Wheeler and others.

1. Yesteryear
2. Do Da Day
3. Speaking Relative
4. Como Uno
5. Lossofyou
6. Use Your Imagination
7. Mideast Midwest
8. Game Show

Dick Oatts (alto saxophone)
Joe Magnarelli (trumpet)
Anthony Wonsey (piano)
Ugonna Okegwo (bass)
Chris Smith (drums)