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Dave Glasser: Evolution

By Woodrow Wilkins
May 19, 2010
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There's nothing wrong with a little old school. Saxophonist Dave Glasser keeps it simple—no flash, no gimmicks. Glasser has spent many years as a sideman, performing with artists including the

Clark Terry

trumpet
1920 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Clark Terry Quintet, the

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie Orchestra,

Illinois Jacquet

saxophone, tenor
1922 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Illinois Jacquet and the

Dizzy Gillespie

trumpet
1917 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Dizzy Gillespie All Stars. He has also recorded several CDs as a leader. A native of New York City, Glasser is a master saxophonist, having studied under

Lee Konitz

saxophone, alto
1927 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Lee Konitz, Frank Perowsky and Barry Harris.

Drawing on his admiration for

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk, Glasser opens Evolution with the swinging "Monkish." With an easygoing groove from pianist

John Nyerges

piano
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">John Nyerges, bassist

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Campbell and drummer Rich Thompson, the altoist serves up a charming lead. Nyerges solos over some cool bass and slick drum work, and Campbell also solos. Another original is "Minor Madness," where Glasser demonstrates a

David Sanborn

saxophone
1945 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">David Sanborn-esque grind during certain phrases, despite the overall style being more evocative of

Kenny Garrett

saxophone, alto
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Garrett. Nyerges' "Monk's Blues" is highlighted by a tranquil, stair-step melody that's both charming and elegant. During the middle solo, Glasser puts the alto through some highs and lows, but never abandons the song's soft mood.

Four of the eight tracks on Evolution were written by Glasser, while Nyerges and Thompson contribute one each. As a whole, the album serves as both a tribute to Monk and a lesson in originality. The musicians play well off one another, with all expressing freely, regardless of which instrument is out front. Campbell and Thompson don't step out much, but they achieve plenty behind Glasser and Nyerges.

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Track Listing

Monkish; Minor Madness; Tranquility; Monk's Blues; It Could Happen to You; Les Is More; Rhythm-a-ning; Blue Iridescence.

Personnel

Dave Glasser

saxophone

Dave Glasser: alto saxophone; John Nyerges: piano; Jeff Campbell: bass; Rich Thompson: drums.

Album information

Title: Evolution | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Here Tiz Music

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