With his seventh album as a bandleader, 31-year-old tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman has come into his own as a mature and sophisticated player/composer. His provocative musical language evokes the compositional savvy of Yusef Lateef, the full tone of Gene Ammons, and the harmonic adventurism of his father, tenor sax great and Ornette Coleman sideman Dewey Redman. Though Redman may not be a true innovator, he still articulates a deeply personal experience.
These 10 ambitious, melodic, post-bop originals were forged in jazz clubs around the world, then brought into the studio for a final organic firing with the same working quartet--pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Highlights include Redman swapping tenor licks with long-time associate Mark Turner on "Leap of Faith," the reflective soul-Traned ballads "Neverend," and "Twilight... And Beyond," and a bluesy boogaloo that finds the leader administering the "Last Rites of Rock 'n' Roll." BEYOND finds jazz sailing into its second century with Joshua Redman at the helm.
Professional Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (4/14/00, p.75) - "...Redman comes out swinging, soulfully....His fine quartet lends heat and wisdom to the material....Its freshness, honesty, and ferocity reconfirm his status as the saxist of his generation." - Rating: B+
Q (8/00, p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...A convincing collection of new tunes...Redman is never short of something to play and BEYOND visits some good edgy places."
JazzTimes (10/00, pp.90-1) - "...Best described as populist bop. [He] creates suspense similar to R&B sensualists Al Green and Marvin Gaye. He knows how to croon a melody through the saxophone..."
