Bassist, Composer and quartet leader Martin Wind has released a new CD, "My Astorian Queen- 25 years on the New York Jazz Scene" featuring the Martin Wind Quartet. The CD is essentially a thank you to the New York Jazz scene and a remembrance of Martin Wind's 25 years of musical adventures in New York. He arrived in NY from Lensburg Germany to try to establish himself in the New York Jazz scene. The quartet consists of Martin on Bass and 3 other very skilled and seasoned musicians. Every one in the group has been friends and musical partners from almost the day when Martin arrived in New York City. Their friendship and experience together shines through on all of the songs in this CD. The liner notes are enlighting because Martin lists the reasons why each of the 9 songs were chosen. I found the Martin Wind Quartet and all the songs on this CD very accessible. The CD is a perfect example of what outstanding music from a Jazz quartet can be.
The first song I have attached from the CD is thhe Jazz standard, "Broadway" and it features the wonderful sound of Scott Robinson's Bass Saxophone. The Bass Saxophone is not frequently heard but after hearing Scott play it, you have to ask yourself why? The sound is warm and rich and I would also say smooth. Martin offers his explanation for choosing this tune. "Shortly after arriving in New York, I started subbing on a couple of Broadway shows. "Phantom of the Opera" which is still going strong in its 3rd decade, and a fabulous production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate". I've always loved this tune and the way Scott sounds on his "mighty" bass Saxophone". I couldn't resist adding the second tune, "New York, New York" because I love when a Bass player solos on a strong melody. Martin adds "I usually close the set with this inevitable anthem. Matt, of course, jumped right into the sandbox with me on this one."
"Broadway"
" New York, New York"
PLAYLIST:
1. Mean What You Say
2. Solitude
3. Broadway
4. Peace Waltz
5. E Preciso Perduar
6. Out In P.A.
7. My Astorian Queen
8. There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York
9. New York, New York
PLAYERS:
Martin Wind- Bass, Composing, Arranging, Leader
Scott Robinson- Tenor and Bass Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet
Bill Mays- Piano
Matt Wilson- Drums and Percussion
