The 1997 release
Full Circle from altoist
Sherman Irby is mostly quite relaxed, with the majority of the selections being taken at slower tempos. Even
John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" is interpreted as a relaxed waltz.
Irby has a warm and soulful sound on alto while being quite skillful at improvising over complex chord changes. A change of pace on this generally introspective set takes place on "Wee," an up-tempo bebop jam with
Charlie Persip taking Dana Murray's place on drums. Otherwise,
Irby is joined by Murray, the fine piano soloist
James Hurt, and bassist
Eric Revis throughout a thought-provoking program of originals. ~ Scott Yanow