LA Jazz Scene
Anytown
Criss Cross Jazz 1169 (59:12)
“Tenorist Weiskopf plays with an urgency borne of a dedication to post-Coltrane tenoring that, while incorporating the past, is centered in the here and now. There’s electricity in Weiskopf’s sound. Dark and edgy, it’s a sonic bulldozer, relentless probing and pushing. Throughout this program of bracing originals, the New York tenorist gets hand in glove support from vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Tony Reedus. It’s a genuine group effort unreeling along deep and pulsating grooves.” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes November 2000)
“This graduate of the Buddy Rich band and the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra is a highly potent tenor saxophonist who demonstrates a strong Trane-Rollins influence along with an urgent, risk taking quality on a series of final small label releases.” (Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes)
“It takes but a moment to detect the shaping influence of John Coltrane in the muscular tenoring of saxophonist Walt Weiskopf. Indeed, Weiskopf is the author of Coltrane: A Player’s Guide to His Harmony. Here, Weiskopf taps the Coltrane who deconstructed the standards of Tin Pan Alley in quest of searing, harmonically driven approach to improvisation. It’s a bold gambit, but one which Weiskopf pulls off with an aplomb that startles, and even amazes. And though, Trane echoes everywhere, Weiskopf nonetheless emerges his own man, a feat unto itself.” (Chuck Berg, JazzTimes)
“…He appears to be ready and able to make a substantive contribution to the music. This is definitely recommended listing (on Simplicity).” Mel Martin, Saxophone Journal “Weiskopf is one of the great composers of modern jazz; his tune “Simplicity” has a lovely repeated note figure with shifting harmonies underneath. The crowd, roared enthusiastically as the band crested and rode emotional waves of sound.” (Bill Cunliffe)