Soar

SSC1150 2006-04-04

Track List

Tanya - 3:13
O Campe\'8bo - 4:42
Push Up The - 8:40
Hero As A Boy - 5:48
Be Love - 8:18
Grafton - 7:13
Soar - 9:17
Laid Bare - 9:09
Merjorana Tonosieña - 2:01

Musicians

Donny McCaslin - tenor saxophone, fulte, alto flute, vocals
Luciana Souza - vocals
Ben Monder - guitars
Orrin Evans - piano
Scott Colley - bass
Antonio Sanchez - drums
Pernell Saturino - percussion
Shane Endsley - trumpet
Luis Bonilla - trombone

Produced by saxophonist Dave Binney, Soar showcases McCaslin’s silken sax sound, and his equally adept flute work, are supported by an all-star array of musicians headed by label mates Luciana Souza from Brazil, and guitarist Ben Monder, along with Curacao percussionist Pernell Saturnino, Pat Metheny drummer Antonio Sanchez, pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Scott Colley, trumpeter Shane Endsley and Luis Bonilla. The 9 tracks reflect McCaslin’s musical diversity, and his rare ability to blend seemingly far-flung styles. The opening selection “Tanya’” is a spirited ‘percussion discussion with Saturnino propelling McCaslin to festive Sonny Rollins/”St. Thomas” style heights. “O Campeao,” “Be Love,” and the title track, are syncopated in similar fashion, contrasted by the “In a Silent Way” plectral shadings of “Grafton,” “Laid Bare,” “Push up the Sky,” and the dreamy ballad “Hero as a Boy.” The concluding composition, “Merjorana Tonosiena,” closes the CD with an Afro-Andean dance vibe that is festive and folkloric.