Compass

Performer: Joshua Redman
Engineer: James Farber; James Farber
Producer: James Farber; Joshua Redman; James Farber; Joshua Redman
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel: Joshua Redman (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Gregory Hutchinson (drums). Audio Mixer: James Farber. Audio Remasterer: Greg Calbi. Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (03/24/2008-03/26/2008). Editor: Joshua Redman. Photographer: Michael "Mick" Wilson. Tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman has consistently been one of the finest and most accessible jazz musicians of the `90s and `00s eras. And Redman refuses to limit himself to any single, narrow approach. For example, on COMPASS, he revisits the trio format that Sonny Rollins utilized on such classics as FREEDOM SUITE. Accompanied by just bass and drums (including the great Brian Blade), Redman stretches himself far more than on previous outings. His tenor is full-bodied and shiny like that of Rollins, but also deep, sleek, and quick-witted. On a few tracks, the saxophonist even doubles up his accompaniment, playing in front of two bassists and two drummers--sometimes they thunder, sometimes they engage in dialogues with their leader.

Entertainment Weekly (p.99) - "Redman employs two rhythm sections here, sometimes simultaneously in a chimeric 'double trio' format. His tone carries the weight and grandeur of fine marble..." -- Grade: B+ Down Beat (p.68) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "'Hutchhiker's Guide' is a scintillating and swinging minuet between Redman and drummer Gregory Hutchinson's brushes..." JazzTimes (p.75) - "[COMPASS] rewards closer listening....The opening and closing tracks,' 'Uncharted' and 'Through the Valley,' are quartets with both bassists and, equitably enough, different drummers." Billboard (p.39) - "[T]he virtuoso is purposefully extending himself in all manner of directions on this sprawling, 13-track behemoth..." Mojo (Publisher) (p.110) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Josh's melodic intelligence and structural wit keep things neat." Record Collector (magazine) (p.92) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A]n absorbing collection of barrier-breaking post-bop that confirms Redman as one of contemporary jazz's biggest and most imaginative talents."

The son of influential jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman, saxophonist Joshua Redman is a versatile talent whose skills in bop and post-bop jazz owe a debt to his father and his upbringing in a musical environment. Redman graduated from Harvard in 1991 and decided against pursuing a career in law when he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. He released his debut as a leader in 1993, and recruited legendary guitarist Pat Metheny, drummer Billy Higgins, and bassist Charlie Haden for its follow-up, WISH. Redman explored a variety of line-ups and settings on albums and in live performance throughout the `90s and 2000s, working with such musicians as bassist Christian McBride and pianist Brad Mehldau. His interest in world music, electronica, and other genres can also be heard in his compositions.

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