Ten Tales

Album review

This 1989 recording, once available through the now-defunct, France-based Owl record label, has been brought back from the proverbial ashes by Sunnyside. Venerable modern jazz drummer Aldo Romano and highly regarded saxophonist Joe Lovano go for the gusto throughout these generally upbeat duets. Essentially, it's what many fans of these two important jazz musicians would come to expect. On this release, Lovano perpetuates a surfeit of soul-stirring lines amid plenty of dynamics atop Romano's swarming swing grooves. With pieces such as "Dragons Are" and elsewhere throughout the program, the duo seemingly emulates the hustle and bustle ordinarily heard when artists venture into the free zone. The duo also displays a soft touch in spots, but the bulk of these works primarily consist of high-octane improvisational sequences. And while the absence of a bassist might conceivably insinuate a void within the grand scheme of things, Romano often compensates via his booming-bass drum patterns. Moreover, many of Lovano's torrid soloing escapades are laced with lush melodies and lyrically driven choruses.

© Glenn Astarita /TiVo