Multiple reed and brass player
Scott Robinson journeyed to Prague in 2003 to reunite with his old Berklee classmate, Czech pianist Emil Viklicky, for this extraordinary record date. Though
Robinson is well known for his work on baritone sax on dates by others, tenor sax is his favorite instrument and it is heard extensively on this date. With Viklicky's regular bassist (Frantisek Uhlir) and drummer Laco Tropp, they kick off with a striking rendition of "Summertime" that finds
Robinson alternating between tenor sax and muted trumpet, with Viklicky darkening the mood by his compelling choice of chords. They approach the standard "Out of Nowhere" indirectly before revealing its theme, while Brooks Bowman's "East of the Sun" is recast as a samba with Uhlir introducing the melody, while
Robinson transforms the essence of
Johnny Hodges' alto into his tenor playing in the lush take of "In a Sentimental Mood."
Tadd Dameron's "Never Been in Love Before" is one of his lesser known works, though the quartet's spry arrangement reveals its possibilities.
Robinson's appropriately named "Dark Composition" is indeed a tense affair, with his ominous tenor mirrored by Vikliky's eerie chords. The pianist's "Scott's Blues" is a light-hearted feature for
Robinson's sassy muted trumpet. While this Czech CD may not be at the corner record store, it is obtainable through the individual websites of
Scott Robinson and Emil Viklicky. ~ Ken Dryden