Bill Cunliffe Gary Foster

It's About Love

Torii Records

Gary Foster, tenor and alto saxophone; Bill Cunliffe, piano; Jeff D'Angelo, bass; Tim Pleasant, drums

Cunliffe and Foster are a potent force of sheer delight; not very well known composer Reed Kotler must be delighted that this quartet is airing thirteen of his tunes, and good tunes they are too. The unhurried, mellifluous sound of Gary Foster's straightforward caressing saxophone playing is a delight. Bill Cunliffe has often been quite rightly well lauded; the arranging was all done on the hoof and he gets it just about right. Both Cunliffe and Foster approach their music with an integral sensitivity; a lightness of touch always blessed with graceful lines. "Song For Bill C" has Cunliffe changing the key signature from three to four and playing a harmonic texture that impresses. Whether it is a Bossa Nova, a simple ballad like "Forever", or "I've Been Thinking Of You Lately", each tune gets the special treatment. The bass of Jeff D'Angelo and Tim Pleasant on drums are perfect supporters. This is Jazz music that deserves to be listened to.

by Ferdinand Maylin


Jazz Now Interactive July 2004 Vol 14 No. 3 - Table of Contents