My American Songbook 1
This recording by alto/soprano saxophonist Nelson Rangell features his unique take on the great American standards. With bassistJimmy Haslipand keyboardistRussell Ferranteof theYellowjacketsand other sideman, Rangell's tart and tight sax tones and pithy flute solos take straight-ahead jazz, Broadway tunes, folk ditties, and soul numbers, and translates them for smooth jazz radio. On "Introduction to America and..."  the wordless vocal and the handclaps are reminiscent of Pat Metheny's "First Circle." Stevie Wonder's Latin-tinged number, "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," retains its Spanish Harlem swing, while Earth, Wind and Fire's "That the Way of the World," keeps its soulful message.  Jazz pianist Hampton Hawes's "Sonora" may seem out of joint here, but Rangell's fans know it as the "Whistle Tune," because he whistled the melody when he played in a noisy club.  Rangell has been compared toDavid Sanborn. This effort may change that.--Eugene Holley, Jr.