Source: LA Jazz Scene
January 1999


Journey Together
Naxos Jazz- 86023-2

With a little help from pianist Alan Broadbent, guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Darek Oles, and drummer Joe LaBarbera, Manhattan Beach native David Sills brings his tenor saxophone to life on his second recording as a leader. Together, the quintet presents a few of Sills' originals, and standards such as Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes," Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge," and Lennie Tristano's "317 East 32nd Street"

Sills, who didn't get too serious about playing the saxophone until about the same time he learned to drive, studied composition and sax hone at C.S.U.L.B., earning a bachelor's degree in 1993. The saxophonist's teachers include Charles Orena, Gary Foster, and Leo Potts.

The title track is a lovely modem mainstream piece composed by Kevin Tulius. Aside from the apt title, "Joumey Together" presents some of Sills' best work. His fluid arficulation and seamless phrasing show remarkable sills and imagination. Larry Koonse's "Aliya" combines a lyrical floating melody with a Latin beat, during which Sills and Broadbent share the spotlight. The saxophonist's "Ho Chi Minh Hustle" parades the image of a metropolitan street scene, harmonies that are only vaguely familiar to Westem ears, and a thrilling guitar-led blues all in one piece.

It's quite a compositional accomplishment for "talent deserving wider recognition.''

~ Jim Santella

Do you have comments or found interesting quote about David Sills?, let us know by sending an email