Dick Oatts
is a name well known to seasoned jazz fans, who recognize him for his work as a sideman with the
Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra
(and its descendant, the
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
),
Red Rodney
,
Bob Brookmeyer
Jerry Bergonzi
Fred Hersch
, and others, along with his partnership with pianist
Garry Dial
. Most of
Oatts
' recordings as a leader have been for European labels, such as this 2009 session for
Steeplechase
, his seventh for the Danish company. The focus is on ballads, with
looking to build upon each melody in a creative fashion without losing its essence, something that he does consistently throughout the date. Accompanied by pianist
Michael Weiss
, either
Ugonna Okegwo
or
David Wong
on bass, and drummer
Rodney Green
' renditions of the nine standards plus one well-known
Duke Ellington
gem, the alto saxophonist gives a virtual master class to young jazz musicians (being a veteran jazz educator as well) on how to construct an intelligent solo built upon a familiar theme without resorting to showboating. The brisk rendition of
"You Don't Know What Love Is,"
the brisk, angular setting of
"Yesterdays"
and the refreshingly unsentimental take of
"Angel Eyes"
are among the highlights, but simply put, all of the music is rewarding. ~ Ken Dryden