Introducing Paul Nedzela (Outside In Music)
Paul Nedzela
Released July, 2019
Jazziz Critics’ Picks 2019
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nmofDRGxA5w9hhBKZWcpxXweTds0_KNy0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/64RDNBlIyaxyjaBdbnF6WQ?si=EFTiyc2DRw-huKJZA-FX1A&dl_branch=1
About:
“Introducing…” is Paul Nedzela’s debut álbum showcasing his unique sound and take on some jazz standards as well as several originals. Paul has established himself on the stage as one of the leading musicians on his instrument. This album is his first solo feature, illustrating the versatility of the baritone saxophone as well as Paul’s musicality, his wide range of ability, and his distinctive voice on the instrument.
“I wanted this record to reflect several of my musical influences, to demonstrate how they’ve taken root in my playing, and to pay tribute to some of the great masters of our music. But I also wanted to show where I felt I could step out on my own and forge my own identity.”
Track Listing:
1. #251 4:44
2. A Call Beyond 6:20
3. My Ship 7:16
4. Bernard’s Revenge 4:40
5. Third Quarter 7:54
6. Stutter Step 3:48
7. O Farol Que Nos Guia 3:56
8. Lisa 6:14
9. Strange Bedfellows 6:14
10. Beside Her 6:57
Personnel:
Paul Nedzela: baritone saxofone
Dan Nimmer: piano
David Wong: bass
Aaron Kimmel: drums
Recorded November 21, 2018, at Samurai Studios
Recording Engineer: David Stoller
Mixing Engineer: Chris Sulit
Mastering Engineer: Walter Fischbacher
Photography: Ayano Hisa
Graphic Design: Jamie Breiwick
Review:
Baritone saxophonist Paul Nedzela‘s debut recording showcases his eloquent yet gritty playing. There are nine original tunes plus a heartfelt reading of Kurt Weill’s My Ship. Born in NYC in 1984, Paul has played with and/or recorded with Chick Corea, Benny Golson, Paquito D’Rivera, Wayne Shorter, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Branford Marsalis among many others. He earned a Masters Degree from Juilliard in 2008 having studied there with Scots baritone saxist, Joe Temperley. He took over Joe’s chair in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 2013 and has toured with the orchestra worldwide since then.
Nedzela’s full, broad, yet razor-sharp sound combines the warmth of Gerry Mulligan with the fiery intensity of Pepper Adams and Ronnie Cuber. A wonderful fusion of qualities recognising such a wide range of the legacy of the horn. He is joined by fellow JLCO member, pianist Dan Nimmer, and the two emerge as younger talents with a mature sound. They explore post-1960s approaches while fully nodding to the past as well. Bassist David Wong and drummer Aaron Kimmel rise to the occasion with aplomb, sounding like they’re having a ball.
Of particular deight to this listener was Nedzela’s compostiion, Bernard’s Revenge, a minor romp echoing the chordal structure and and brimming spirit of Coltrane’s A Love Supreme period. Third Quarter feature’s Paul’s lyrical and somewhat melancholy soprano sax – a waltz that adds a fresh and welcome variety to the uptempo and driving tunes that populate the CD. Strange Bedfellows also scores with its loping tempo and a delightful sense of being carefree. It is based on the chords to Benny Golson’s Stablemates, successfully shedding new light on this timeless jazz classic.
Introducing Paul Nedzela makes a winning and promising debut offering from a leading force on an instrument that deserves much more exposure as a vital solo voice in jazz. Paul Nedzela is just the person to provide this, and it will be fascinating to witness what direction his next recording will take.
Frank Griffith (London Jazz News)
