Zhenya Strigalev - Blues For Maggie [CD]

Alto saxophonist and composer Zhenya Strigalev's fourth album for Whirlwind Recordings 'Blues for Maggie', brings together in-demand drummer Eric Harland (Dave Holland, Charles Lloyd, Joshua Redman), Mauritian bass virtuoso Linley Marthe (Joe Zawinul, Richard Galliano) and award-winning Argentinian guitarist Federico Dannemann (Mark Elf, Peter Erskine, Shakira). <p>A departure from Strigalev's previous albums - recorded live, as well as featuring a guitarist in the line-up - it documents the saxophonist's recent touring band which included Marthe and Harland, both of whom he introduced to each other and are now the rhythm section of choice for a number of artists including Chris Potter <p>'Blues for Maggie' was recorded at two well-respected European venues - during the band's concert at Porgy and Bess in Vienna, Austria and after their gig at Paradox in Tilburg, Netherlands - and consists of seven original compositions. <p>The recording's ebullient mood is heralded by sprightly reggae tune "Not Upset", Strigalev on soprano also introducing his new creation, the 'alto box' (be ready for unorthodox sounds); and "Coda" bookends the album with a different take on this. Other tracks include the soft, melodic yet cheeky "Wondering About Swing", with further dance to warm the soul in the quirkily electronic Latin-American groover "Happy Professors". <p>Personnel: Zhenya Strigalev (alto sax, soprano sax, alto box, electronics), Federico Dannemann (guitar), Linley Marthe (bass guitar, keyboards), Eric Harland (drums)