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Walt Weiskopf: The Way You Say It

By Mark Corroto
March 26, 2016
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Do jazz jukeboxes exist? I'm not referring to an online streaming service that tells you what to like. I'm talking about a mechanical box in a roadhouse you put money in, and everyone in the joint listens to your selections. If there are such establishments with said jukeboxes, I'm certain customers would select WW1, WW2, WW3, et cetera, for most of the tracks on

Walt Weiskopf

saxophone
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Walt Weiskopf's The Way You Say It.

The saxophonist a veteran of the big bands of

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich and

Toshiko Akiyoshi

piano
b.1929

" data-original-title="" title="">Toshiko Akiyoshi, plus a requested sideman with Steely Dan, has produced a dozen outings as a leader, first for Criss Cross, and three now for Positone Records. The latest follows Open Road (2015), a quartet and the sextet Overdrive (2014) both with pianist

Peter Zak

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Zak. With The Way You Say It, he swaps piano for the organ of

Brian Charette

organ, Hammond B3
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Charette, an instrument we haven't heard with the saxophonist since A World Away (Criss Cross, 1995).

Charette, the de facto house organist for Positone, comports himself quite well here, supporting Weisskopf and vibraphonist

Behn Gillece

vibraphone
b.1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Behn Gillece, who we heard on Overdrive. With drummer Steve Fidyk, the quartet can negotiate a speedy burner like "Inntoene" and "Blues Combination" with jaw-dropping ease. Weiskopf has all the tools, a broad and deep sound with a very well balanced attack. In other words, a beautiful tone. That richness is showcased on the flavor-rich ballad "Candy" and "Invisible Sun." Weiskopf penned ten of the twelve pieces here. "Envisioned" allows for each musician to stretch out a bit as it burns with a hot blue flame.

The quartet picks through two contrasting covers,

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker's "Segment" and the

Weather Report

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Weather Report classic "Scarlet Woman." The quartet turns

Joe Zawinul

keyboards
1932 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Zawinul's fusion into a stormy blues romp with Bird's music sailing with a nonchalance befitting such a sprezzatura artist as Weiskopf.

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Track Listing

Coffee and Scones; Separation; Inntoene; Dreamlining; Blues Combination; Candy; Envisioned; Invisible Sun; Manny Boy; Scarlet Woman; Segment; The Way You Say It.

Personnel

Walt Weiskopf

saxophone

Walt Weiskopf: tenor saxophone; Brian Charette: organ; Behn Gillece: vibraphone; Steve Fidyk: drums.

Album information

Title: The Way You Say It | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records

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Shawn Purcell feat. Walt Weiskopf - Recording Release

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Sep 30 Tue

Shawn Purcell feat. Walt Weiskopf - Recording Release

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Nov 14 Fri

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Nov 15 Sat

Walt Weiskopf Quartet

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Dec 5 Fri

Shawn Purcell Group Featuring Walt Weiskopf

Sharp 9 Gallery
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Dec 6 Sat

Shawn Purcell Group Featuring Walt Weiskopf

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