Source: LA Jazz Scene

HANGIN' FIVE
(Resugent Music)

In a day when many young saxophonists tend to think the history of the instrument started with John Coltrane, it is refreshing to hear a player like the Southern California based tenor saxophonist David Sills, who has clearly done his homework. Sills appears to come from the lineage of soft toned, lyrical tenors who stemmed from Lester Young. On his debut record as a leader "Hangin’ Five", he displays impressive command of his instrument, but more importantly a profound musicality with an emphasis on melody. The musicians he has chosen are some of Los Angeles' finest; Sherman Ferguson on drums, Cecilia Coleman on piano, Tom Warrington on bass and some guest spots by veteran alto player and Sill's former mentor, Gary Foster. Of the ten selections, three are Sill's original compositions which are in a sixties Blue Note vein and bring another of the saxophonists' influences, Joe Henderson's writing to mind. Sills and Foster wind melodies around each on Tristano's line on "All the Thing's..." on "Ablution". The Strayhorn ballad "Chelsea Bridge" is a showcase for Sill's wan-n Getz-like tone with maybe a touch of Ben Webster. The Miles Davis classic "Vierd Blues" is done as a bass/sax duo and features some tasty high register soloing by Warrington. The album concludes with a meditative a cappelia reading of Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood".

~ Tristen Rosenn

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