It is obvious from the start of
Endangered Species that baritonist
David Schumacher has a strong sense of humor. "Too Tonal Free!Dumb?" sounds like the beginning of a bad hip-hop record, but it also lasts 37 seconds before
Schumacher starts swinging on "Henry's Mad Crazy Blues." Very much a straight-ahead player although open to some of the tonal variations of the avant-garde,
Schumacher makes his claim to being one of jazz's top baritonists throughout this fun set. There are a couple of departures into poetry (featuring his gravelly voice), but the emphasis is mostly on bebop, blues, and ballads, with "It's the Same Old Dream" being a heartfelt example of the latter. On "Arch's Nutty Variation,"
Schumacher switches horns and battles Neil Otter and
Ned Goold in a tenor summit worthy of
Sonny Stitt. Organist
Rob Bargad and trombonist
Robert Trowers are also strong assets on various selections. Highly recommended to modern bop fans. ~ Scott Yanow