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Roberto Magris & The JM Horns: High Quote

By Jack Bowers
October 9, 2023
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Roberto Magris & The JM Horns: High Quote

Italian-born pianist/composer

Roberto Magris

piano
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Roberto Magris, a paradigm of kinetic energy, records so many albums they can't seem to release 'em fast enough. Although High Quote, on which Magris leads the JM Horns (for JMood Records), was recorded more than a decade ago—in November 2012—its release date was for purposes unknown delayed until 2023.

Whatever the reasons, it would be hard to believe they had anything to do with the quality of the music, which is by and large up to Magris' usual high standards. His sunny charts, patterned after those of some of his West Coast peers—

Marty Paich

composer / conductor
1925 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Marty Paich and

Bill Holman

composer / conductor
- 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Holman among them—are (with one possible exception) sharp and persuasive, and his nonet—comprised of splendid Kansas City-area musicians—nimble and supportive.

Besides arranging everything and playing eloquent and tasteful piano, Magris wrote six of the album's eight numbers. Paich was clearly the model for the upbeat opener, "High Quote," which introduces tenor saxophonist

Matt Otto

saxophone, tenor
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Otto whose influences (on that number, at least) seem to include

Allen Eager

saxophone
1927 - 2003

" data-original-title="" title="">Allen Eager,

James Moody

woodwinds
1925 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">James Moody and

Stan Getz

saxophone, tenor
1927 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Stan Getz with a dash of

Zoot Sims

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1985

" data-original-title="" title="">Zoot Sims tossed in for good measure. Magris and trombonist Jason Goodeau also solo effectively.

Magris' "Together in Love," the first of two unassuming vocals by

Monique Danielle

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Monique Danielle, follows, as does "Black Coffee" (taken at a brisker pace than usual), on which Danielle is once again featured, and the album's lone outlier, "Hong Kong Nightline/The Island of Nowhere." While the Far East-centered theme has its moments, they aren't enough to warrant its nearly thirteen-minute playing time, even though drummer

Brian Steever

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Steever and percussionist

Pablo Sanhueza

congas

" data-original-title="" title="">Pablo Sanhueza spearhead a daring rescue mission.

The even-tempered "Steps in the Dark" restores the swinging vibe, as do "The Endless Groove" and "Naked Tina Serenade" (far more charming than its name) before "The Changing Scene" seals the deal. Magris, Otto, Goodeau, alto

Jim Mair

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Mair and bassist

Elisa Pruett

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Elisa Pruett are the soloists, leaving only trumpeter

Josh Williams

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Josh Williams and baritone

Aryana Nemati

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Aryana Nemati devoid of blowing space—but they should nevertheless be mentioned, as they contribute greatly to the ensemble's sonority and complexion.

While High Quote represents a slight departure for Magris, who is more often heard in smaller-group settings, the results of his ability to adapt are undeniably clear on this first-rate—albeit long-delayed—session.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

High Quote; Together In Love; Black Coffee; Hong Kong Nightline / The Island of Nowhere; Steps In The Dark; The Endless Groove; Naked Tina Serenade; The Changing Scene.

Personnel

Roberto Magris

piano

Additional Instrumentation

Matt Otto: tenor sax; Jim Mair: alto sax; Jason Goudeau: trombone; Aryana Nemati: baritone sax; Josh Williams: trumpet; Elisa Pruett: acoustic bass; Brian Steever: drums; Pablo Sanhueza: congas; Monique Danielle: vocals.

Album information

Title: High Quote | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: JMood Records

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