Microscopic Septet
Cuneiform, 2011, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 17.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This ensemble has been playing for about three decades now bringing a fresh voice to jazz while keeping with tradition. They have a powerful front line of alto, soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones backed by a solid rhythm section. Friday the Thirteenth is a tribute to legendary pianist Thelonious Monk. They share an approach that is counter to the norm and hence the arrangements work well. Many Monk tunes allow the creative mind to drift into extreme limits. We were impressed with the way the Septet tempered the potential chaos even in the midst of improvisation amongst the saxes. The Micros’ Monk is a rich interpretation, especially on tunes like “Evidence”, “Bye-Ya”, the ultra cool “Misterioso” and swingers like “Off Minor”.
Publicist: Cuniform Records
