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The Irv Grossman Sextet: Sound Advice

By Pierre Giroux
February 9, 2025
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Trumpeter

Irv Grossman

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Irv Grossman has assembled a stellar sextet that delivers a compelling session of straight-ahead jazz steeped in tradition and camaraderie under the title of Sound Advice. Surrounding himself with a dream team of musicians, including tenor saxophonist

Sam Dillon

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Dillon, alto saxophonist

Andrew Gould

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gould and, on several tracks, trombonist

Jimmy O'Connell

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy O'Connell. The horns are supported by an unflagging rhythm section of pianist

David Hazeltine

piano
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">David Hazeltine, bassist

Todd Coolman

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Todd Coolman and the irrepressible

Billy Drummond

drums
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Drummond on drums. The album's repertoire consists of charts written explicitly for this configuration that lends itself to rich harmonic exploration and dynamic group interactions.

The session opens with the title track, " Sound Advice," by tenor saxophonist

Jerry Bergonzi

saxophone, tenor
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Jerry Bergonzi, with the frontline stating the theme in unison. As Drummond drives the number forward, Dillon picks up the line with a fiery solo. All members show their chops, but Hazeltine is particularly effective in his intricate playing, keeping the melody in mind and always knowing where he is. A Grossman original, "X Rays Dilemma," is the following track: a dandy. Exuding warmth and vulnerability, Grossman controls the frame supported only by the rhythm section. Hazeltine shows he is a pianist of remarkable touch and expressive exposition as he assists in bringing this ballad to life.

The trumpeter

Tom Harrell

trumpet
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Tom Harrell contributes two numbers to this release, the first of which is "Four The Moment." It opens with the frontline engaging in sophisticated precision voicing, leading into a clear-eyed solo from O'Connell. Grossman continues along melodically with Hazeltime picking up the pieces in a fleet-fingered and articulate style. At this point in the album, it is clear that each horn player brings individual brilliance and seamless cohesion to the charts. In turn, they are supported by a rhythm section that is as sturdy as it is flexible, allowing the soloists to improvise freely.

Hard bop tenor saxophonist

Hank Mobley

saxophone, tenor
1930 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Hank Mobley is the source for "Three Way Split," in which the ensemble navigates the intricate arrangement with ease. With Grossman dropping out, Dillon, O'Connell and Gould shoulder the load, trading their bold solos and blending the harmonies with clarity. Tenor saxophonist

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter wrote "Nefertiti" for the

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis studio album of the same name for Columbia Records in 1968. However, unlike the Davis recording, which has the horn section repeating the melody numerous times with the rhythm section improvising underneath, this chart reverts to the more traditional format of the horns carrying the melody and improvisations supported by the rhythm section. As this is an ensemble of friends who enjoy playing jazz together, this camaraderie shines through their performances, proving that the session is as much about curation and collaboration as it is about virtuosity. Irv Grossman and the sextet have crafted a thoroughly engaging session.

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Track Listing

Sound Advice; X Rays Dilemma; Four The Moment; Fallen Hero; Lelani's Leap; Three Way Split; Nefertiti; Espresso (No) Bongo.

Personnel

Irv Grossman

trumpet

Sam Dillon

saxophone, tenor

David Hazeltine

piano

Todd Coolman

bass

Billy Drummond

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Jimmy O'Connell: trombone.

Album information

Title: Sound Advice | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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