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PJ Perry: No Hugs

By Pierre Giroux
December 21, 2022
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PJ Perry is a survivor. Now, in 2022, eighty-one years old, he has been playing saxophone since he was fourteen, when he joined his father's dance band as a baritone saxophonist. During the course of his lengthy career, he has lived in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and a couple of European cities, before settling in Edmonton, Alberta. As a technically accomplished and eloquent alto saxophonist, he has played with the likes of

Rob McConnell

trombone
1935 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Rob McConnell's Boss Brass,

Dizzy Gillespie

trumpet
1917 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Dizzy Gillespie,

Slide Hampton

trombone
1932 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Slide Hampton and

Woody Shaw

trumpet
1944 - 1989

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Shaw where he epitomized the best of the bop style along the lines of

Phil Woods

saxophone, alto
1931 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Phil Woods.

Over the course of the pandemic lockdown, Perry and the Toronto bassist

Neil Swainson

bass, acoustic
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Neil Swainson worked separately and remotely to craft the eight charts which are presented on No Hugs. Joining Perry on this session were several longtime colleagues including trumpeter

Bob Tildesley

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Tildesley, pianist

Chris Andrew

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Andrew and a couple of Montreal transplants, bassist

Paul Johnston

producer

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Johnston and drummer

Dave Laing

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Laing.

The first track, "Too Soon Gone," opens with some brisk unison playing between Perry and Tildesley. Perry then settles in with a long solo filled with of ideas. Tildesley picks up the line on muted trumpet and the number swings along at full tilt. FinallyAndrew shows his authoritative touch through a bristling single note interjection before the number closes out. On the following cut "Agoraphobia" the band is joined by trombonist

Brad Shigata

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Brad Shigata, although he is not given much to do except add some depth to the unison playing by the front line on the opening theme.

The title track opens with a thoughful piano intro from Andrew and is the perfect prelude to the balance of the number. Perry is in an introspective frame of mind which is picked up by both Tildesley and Andrew. The ballad arrangement by Perry and Swainson is filled with grace and simplicity. As the disc spins out with the remaining tracks, it is evident that the players have found a sense of belonging, grounded in shared musical values.

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Track Listing

Too Soon Gone; Agoraphobia; So Long; March Of The Covidians; No Hugs; The Kestrel; Scaredy Cat; Gring's Dilemma.

Personnel

PJ Perry

saxophone

Bob Tildesley

trumpet

Chris Andrew

piano

Paul Johnson

bass

Dave Laing

drums

Brad Shigata

trombone

Album information

Title: No Hugs | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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