Saxophonist
Ken Field is probably best known to lovers of new music as a longstanding member of
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic; he's probably best known to children as the composer of music that is heard regularly on Sesame Street. But he's active in many other musical arenas as well, and has been a guest performer, workshop leader, and composer-in-residence all over the world. His second solo album picks up where the first left off, with multi-tracked saxophone parts and supporting contributions from guest percussionists and fellow sax players.
Field does an admirable job of making music that is both intellectually interesting and emotionally accessible; his influences range from New Orleans brass bands (note the loose-limbed groove on "Canned Chicken") and
James Brown (note the much tighter-limbed groove on "Pass Along") to the badlands of Wyoming ("Tensleep") and the introspective jazz style of pianist Bill Evans (note the very fine cover of "Time Remembered"). All of those tracks are highlights, but there are many others, including the episodic and beautifully constructed "Confluence Suite" (which features stunning fretless electric bass playing by Mike Rivard) and the slow march "Corteo." Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson