Altoizm
Afar Music, 2021, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 76
O’s Notes: Altoizm is a triage of powerful alto saxophonists making their self-titled debut recording. They are Greg Ward, Rajiv Halim, and Sharel Cassity in front of a rhythm section with Richard D. Johnson (p), Jerimiah Hunt (b) and Michael Piolet (d). The music is all original including a couple of borrowed chord changes from Benny Golson and Cedar Walton with Cassidy’s “Thoroughbred” and “Cedar’s Groove”. The collective musicianship of this Chicago-based team is exemplary and hopefully that proximity leads to more live performances and future collaborations.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions