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Peter Sommer: Crossroads

By Hrayr Attarian
August 10, 2009
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It takes self-confidence and talent for a new musician to lock horns with a more experienced practitioner of the same instrument, and tenor saxophonist Peter Sommer has plenty of both. His only other recording was a collaborative effort with pianist

Art Lande

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Lande, and this second recording is his first as a leader.

On this record, Sommer's seasoned partner is

Rich Perry

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Rich Perry, a veteran of the legendary

Thad Jones

trumpet
1923 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Thad Jones/

Mel Lewis

drums
1929 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Mel Lewis Orchestra and a member of the

Maria Schneider

composer / conductor

" data-original-title="" title="">Maria Schneider and Vanguard Orchestras. The music, which is more or less in the hard bop vein, crosses between the cool saxophone conversations of

Pete Christlieb

saxophone
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Pete Christlieb and

Warne Marsh

saxophone, tenor
1927 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Warne Marsh and the hot, tough tenor battles of

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

saxophone, tenor
1922 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and

Johnny Griffin

saxophone, tenor
1928 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Griffin. It is stimulating, smart and rewarding, although it does not necessarily break new musical ground or have the makings of an instant classic.

Although the liner notes don't list the solos in order, the last track, featuring Sommer by himself, serves as a guide in differentiating one tenor saxophone solo from the other on the rest of the album. Perry, by virtue of his experience, is the slightly more dominant voice of the two. Sommer, however, successfully holds his own; playing with a slightly deeper tone, he is a somewhat angular soloist compared to the more fluid Perry. They solo without getting in each other's way, and it's rewarding to hear their individual approaches to the instrument and to the music.

Sommer and Perry are backed by sympathetic rhythm section led by the very able Eric Gunnison, who shines on the last track. Gunnison's intelligently crafted improvisations, while accompanying Sommer, add another dimension to the music without detracting from the sound of the horn.

The pieces on the record include four lesser-known classics by

Kenny Dorham

trumpet
1924 - 1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Dorham,

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk,

Bud Powell

piano
1924 - 1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Bud Powell and

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter, along with two originals by Sommer and two well-worn standards. The mixed program features enough variety to maintain interest throughout, yet it maintains a thematic unity so that none of the tracks sound out of place.

Although not an earth-shattering debut, this creative session not only presents a talented new voice in jazz but also reintroduces a master of the craft who deserves better recognition.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Escapade; The Fruit; Dance Cadaverous; Think Of One; Shoskin; Carpe Coffee; Along Together; Round Midnight.

Personnel

Peter Sommer

saxophone, tenor

Peter Sommer: tenor saxophone; Rich Perry: tenor saxophone; Eric Gunnison: piano; Ken Walker: bass; Todd Reid:drums.

Album information

Title: Crossroads | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Capri Records

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