CiTR

Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson is truly one of the living masters of the alto saxophone and at age 77 is very active, playing, traveling, teaching, recording, composing. McPherson has been on the Jazz forefront since the late 50s, first with the volcanic bassist Charles Mingus on and off for more than 15 years. Pianist Barry Harris was one of McPherson's mentors from his early days in Detroit and McPherson and Harris have played together and recorded many times since then. This album called "McPherson's Mood" is one of McPherson's personal favourite recordings and one that he enjoys listening to. Charles is the sole horn and his elegant phrasing, great tone and his lyricism is fully evident. McPherson took the lyrical and melodic side of Charlie Parker's concept into his own wonderful style. McPherson is accompanied by his early mentor Barry Harris on piano, the great Buster Williams on bass and the talented and tasteful Roy Brooks on drums. Six tunes are featured here with 4 by McPherson and two standards beginning with the familiar Cole Porter tune, "I Get A Kick Out of You" and the contemporary standard, "Mon Cherie Amour" made famous by Stevie Wonder. All in all a fine portrait of a great living Jazz Master: Charles McPherson.