Jerome Sabbagh - The Turn (2014)

“The Turn” is the third album of the Jerome Sabbagh Quartet. It follows the critically acclaimed “North” (elected album of the year in 2005 by the readers of French monthly Jazzman) and “Pogo” (4 stars in DownBeat in 2007). “The Turn” features a variety of songs that range from pop/rock influenced material (“Electric Sun”, “Banshee”) to more mysterious fare (“Cult”, “Ascent”), and find its cohesiveness in the improvising and the strength of the band sound. Jerome Sabbagh was one of the last saxophonists hired by Paul Motian. Sabbagh pays tribute to the legendary drummer by featuring his composition “Once Around the Park”, which is the only cover of the album.

Sabbagh’s quartet is 10 years old, a rare – and remarkable – display of stability in jazz today. Over the years, the band has developed a unique sound, which stems in no small part from the high level of musicianship involved. As a saxophonist, Jerome Sabbagh is both a heir to the jazz tradition and part of the eclectic and vibrant New York jazz scene of today. His attachment to lyricism has helped him forge an identity as a tenor player. Within a very different musical context, his tone is sometimes reminiscent of the masters of the past, starting with Stan Getz.

An inspired soloist with a knack for creative harmonic textures, Ben Monder (a sideman with Maria Schneider, Paul Motian and Lee Konitz) shows once more why he is one of the great guitarists of our time. Joe Martin, a first-rate bassist with a facile ear, who works with the likes of Mark Turner and Chris Potter, is a pliable anchor, always doing the right thing at the right time for the music. On drums, Ted Poor provides a steady groove that eschews unnecessary effects. He shapes the music with the creativity and sure-footedness that has earned him the trust of Kurt Rosenwinkel and Aaron Parks.

With “The Turn”, Jerome Sabbagh explores new material and reunites with the band with which he first came on the scene. He has created a knockout record, both expressive and appealing. Well worth (re)discovering!

Tracklist:

01. The Turn
02. Long Gone
03. Banshee
04. Ascent
05. The Rodeo
06. Cult
07. Once Around The Park
08. Electric Sun

Perssonel:

Jerome Sabbagh : Saxophone Tenor
Ben Monder : Guitar
Joe Martin : Double Bass
Ted Poor : Drums