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Matt Marantz: Offering

By Mark F. Turner
June 14, 2010
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Saxophonist Matt Marantz's Offering is a splendid debut; echoing, in part, the lyricism and verve of three of his influences—

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker,

Cannonball Adderley

saxophone
1928 - 1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Cannonball Adderley, and

" data-original-title="" title="">Phil Woods. It's interesting to note that the young New Orleans based saxophonist is a tenorist—whose intrepid lines and phrasings are honed from practice and performance—with an alto-like tonality that is less throaty than players such as

Chris Potter

saxophone, tenor
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Potter, and purposed with its own individuality.

Proving himself to be an astute writer on top of having fierce chops, Marantz's horn leads his band through "The Narrow Path," his playing synonymous with a bird in effortless flight—graceful maneuvers, turns, and flutters—harmoniously supported by pianist Sam Harris and featuring spot-on syncopating from bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Michael Davis. The music evokes a spiritual and peaceful quality, with contributions from in-demand guitarist

Steve Cardenas

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Cardenas—with whom Marantz once studied—making this an engaging listen.

The recording's tone is consistent throughout its eleven tracks—inner reflections articulated through sophistication and melody. This thoughtful intent is also reflected in the track names. "Quiet, "Patience," and "Hope" are each descriptive of distinct, complex and piercing writing that illustrates communions of dialog and creativity; musician and instruments linked to one another in collaboration.

The inclusion of Cardenas adds another layer. On the lively, upbeat "Pastel" he embarks on a

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery-like bop groove, but on the title track, he delivers some tasty

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny-esque voicing, which complements the other musicians. Yet the unselfish glow here is cast from the brilliance of Marantz's playing, which is filled with quiet fire and passion.

Offering doesn't try to overstate itself. It discards the notion of "hear-my-chops" bravura, and replaces it with a recording that has technical merit, but more importantly emotional depth; a personal statement from a promising young artist that warrants recognition.

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Track Listing

The Narrow Path; Quiet; Patience; Coastlines; Hope; Pastel; Rainfall; Sketches; Dream's Harbor; Offering; Prayer.

Personnel

Matt Marantz

saxophone

Matt Marantz: tenor saxophone; Sam Harris: piano; Martin Nevin: bass (1-7, 9-11); Michael Davis: drums; Steve Cardenas: guitar (2, 4, 6, 10); Ruben Samana: bass (8).

Album information

Title: Offering | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Self Produced

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