Riddle of the Sphinx (J Curve)
Mark Gross
Released May 16, 2000
All About Jazz Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1969
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7Mm7ZGh5uyHuBej2URUtKiHhj4QlmNiE
Spotify:
About:
Mark Gross (born February 20, 1966) is a Baltimore-born jazz alto saxophonist of the hard bop tradition. He studied at the Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1988, then worked in the band of Lionel Hampton and performed in Five Guys Named Moe on Broadway. He has since worked with a variety of other artists, including the bands of Delfeayo Marsalis, Nat Adderley and the Dave Holland Big Band. Gross first recorded as a solo act with 1997’s Preach Daddy, followed in 2000 by The Riddle of the Sphinx.
Gross has performed on Broadway several times, including Five Guys Named Moe (1992-1993) based on the music of Louis Jordan, and Kat and the Kings (1999-2000), based on music born out of oppression during the 1950s in Cape Town, South Africa.
Track Listing:
1. Valley of the Dry Bones (Mark Gross) 09:01
2. Moses in Egypt (Mark Gross) 06:11
3. Eastern Joy Dance (Mulgrew Miller) 07:13
4. Lullaby of Isfahan (Kenny Garrett9 04:27
5. Riddle of the Sphinx (Mark Gross) 07:47
6. Desert Sands (Mark Gross) 04:36
7. Black Nile (Wayne Shorter) 06:32
8. Isfahan (Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn) 03:24
9. Marabi (Mark Gross) 04:30
10. Red Sea (Mark Gross) 03:48
Personnel:
Mark Gross: alto and soprano saxophones
Mulgrew Miller: piano
Brian Blade: drums (1-7, 10)
Darryl Hall: bass (1-7, 9, 10)
Joe Locke: vibraphone (1, 5), marimba (2, 3, 9)
Khalil Kwame Bell: percussion (1-7, 9, 10)
John LaBarbara: oud (1, 5, 9)
Recorded April 19, 1999 – April 20, 1999, at Sear Sound Studios, New York, NY, by Joe Ferla
Producer: Dave Weiss
Mixing: Joe Ferla and Dave Young
Mastering: Elliott Federman
Assistant Engineer: Dave Fisher
Photography: R. Andrew Lepley
Design: Karen Berger
Executive Producer: Dale Rabiner
Review:
What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs at night?
Man.
Cue the drummer’s rim shot followed by a bass drum thud. Then give the philosophical riddle a thought or two about how we begin our lives by moving cautiously, move into the fast lane for awhile, and then settle down later on with experience at our side. Along the way we hope to absorb and understand as many special impressions as we can.
Alto saxophonist Mark Gross takes us on a journey of ancient Egypt. Recorded in April 1999 the session combines a terrific rhythm section with the exciting interplay of vibraphonist Joe Locke and pianist Mulgrew Miller. Both contribute lyrical interludes that complement the saxophonist’s energetic drive and enhance his impressionistic passion.
While the thirty-something native of Baltimore, Maryland shows allegiance to John Coltrane, Cannonball & Nat Adderley, Johnny Hodges and Kenny Garrett, his distinctive tone and artistic paintbrush offer much to characterize the individual.
Wayne Shorter’s “Black Nile” swings hard in a straight-ahead piano trio setting colored by exotic sounds from the udu drum. The familiar jazz melody echoes from alto saxophone with world wise overtones that paint appropriate landscapes. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley’s “Marabi” leaves impressions of native dancers and streetwise snake charmers, but with a calypso twist. Billy Strayhorn’s ballad “Isfahan” receives a straightforward approach, while Gross’ five compositions weave ancient Egypt around modern jazz. Highly recommended, Mark Gross’ latest album provides a tonal picture worth much more than a thousand words.
Jim Santella (All About Jazz)
