Tom Tallitsch: Ride

Tom Tallitsch (sax)
Ride (Posi-Tone; 2014)
Art Hirahara (piano)
Michael Dease (trombone)
Rudy Royston (drums)
Peter Brendler (bass)
(live photo: courtesy my iPhone)

I just recently saw Tom Tallitsch perform in New York and was completely blow away. In addition, I was kicking myself as to why I never saw him perform before, as I have been a big fan for the last couple of years. But no matter, his live performance was just as stellar as his studio work. And his newest release, Ride is solid and well composed second effort worth every note.

One of the great things I've always enjoyed about Tom Tallitsch is his versatility. He can shift gears from a bold Ben Webster, Gerry Mulligan style to softer more emotional Sonny Rollins with each piece. Ride features that diversity early on with the opener, "Ride" is hard hitting and ferocious number that showcases Tallitsch big approach with this composition.

While the very interesting cover of David Bowie's "Life On Mars" and "Rain" are a great examples of Tallitsch moving in a more reserved and mid-tempo territory. Dease, Royston and Tallitsch give the rock classic and definitive spiritual feeling that complements the Bowie masterpiece warmly. "Rain," meanwhile feels both gospel influenced yet encompassing a soulfulness that shines above as one of my favourite tracks on the album.

"Knuckle Dragger" is another beautiful moment which Tallitsch highlights both great songwriting and leadership. A funky number that allows Dease, Hirahara and Brendler to stretch and provide some muscular flavour to session. It's a nice extend number that blossoms towards the end of this session.

Tom Tallitsch is now a veteran of the New York scene that really deserves wider recognition. Ride is another bright and confident addition to his cannon and well worth any jazz fans attention. And if he's playing in your city, don't be arse like me and wait forever to see him.