Jazz Police - Shenole Latimer Is "Front and Center"

I have been listening to jazz for 37 years and believe me when I say that it’s rare to come across an artist, particularly among many of the young players of today, who has such a unique sound and style that you could easily identify him within just a few notes played. It’s for that reason that New York-based alto saxophonist Shenole Latimer and his CD Front and Center are special.

Front and Center, released by the German record label Tierra Records, contains nine tracks. Five are original compositions with very catchy melodies. I for one caught myself humming the melodies to “Hope” and “Always” on a number of occasions since listening to Shenole Latimer’s CD. The remaining four tracks are standards that are presented with first class performances by all band members, which include two different rhythm section line-ups: pianists Sean Fitzpatrick and Gabe Shuford; Nameer Shukri and Kyle Struve on drums; and bassists Mark Verdino and Steve Kaell.

The CD gets to the point straight away with the opening track, “The T.L. Special,” which sounds to be some sort of modified blues and is performed at a brisk tempo. Shenole Latimer provides a solo that is clever and fearless, while the rhythm section lays down an aggressive accompaniment. Some other great solos include the piano musings of Sean Fitzpatrick on Latimer’s bossa nova.“I’m Just Fine,” bassist Mark Verdino’s melodic soloing on that same track, Kyle Struve’s incredible drum solo on Bronislau Kaper’s “Invitation,” and Shenole Latimer’s bouncy and playful soprano saxophone work on his original composition entitled “Hope.” I particularly appreciated the brave and unique treatment of Billy Strayhorn’s classic, “Chelsea Bridge,” which is depicted as taking place within the New York City subway system.

Aside from the unique and easily recognizable sound of Latimer, I was also struck by how versatile a player he appears to be. His ability to seamlessly and comfortably switch from straight-ahead jazz selections to post bop to Latin to even the funk-fusion treatment given to George Gershwin's "Summertime" is reminiscent of the late and great tenor saxophonist, Michael Brecker.

Shenole Latimer’s first CD effort isn’t going to astound you with cutting edge compositions that are wildly progressive. Front and Center is, however, a very solid effort by a young saxophonist who has a refreshingly individualistic style and an alto saxophone tone the likes of no other sax player that you have heard before. Everything right down to the attractive digi-pack design of the CD and the incredibly well written and lucid liner notes by Barney Lessing shows that a great deal of care and respect went into this project.

In sum, Shenole Latimer’s CD Front and Center is sure to provide you with many hours of musical enjoyment, while also bringing some sophistication and a fresh sound to your jazz collection.

For more information visit: http://cdbaby.com/cd/shenole