Austerlitz, Paul
Innova, 2010, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 16.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score:
O’s Notes: Paul is an ethnomusicologist who was drawn to African based music first on the streets if New York but mostly in the Dominican Republic. He professes that music is rooted in conversation especially using the drums as a voice. The underlying wealth of African percussionists provides great support for Austerlitz with his bass clarinet giving the music a true native feel. Barry Olsen (p) and Gustavo Rodriguez (keyboards) provide the glue between them making it palatable to a large audience. Paul wrote the bulk of material for this program and does a fine job leading the melodies using clarinets, sax and voice. Fourteen songs are arranges into five chapters. Our favorites are the festive spirits of “Chapter Four: Poetry and Song” featuring Renee Coligne (voice) and Michael S. Harper (poet) along with the earthy feel of “Chapter Two: Palo and Beyond”.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services