This newly recorded session features Denver's legendary Tenor Saxophonist Phil Urso coupled with LA's hottest jazz trumpet player Carl Saunders. Backed by an exciting Denver based rhythm section (Paul Romaine, Colin Gieg, and Keith Waters) the group plays tunes associated with the great trumpet player Chet Baker.
FEATURING:
Phil Urso, Tenor Saxaphone
Carl Saunders, Trumpet
Keith Waters, Piano
Colin Gieg, Bass
Paul Romaine, Drums
Phil Urso is a magical name from jazz history, one who made his mark on jazz in the 1950s, settled far outside of New York and has continued playing up to the present day away from the spotlight. His tone on tenor was harder than one normally associates with West Coast jazz (closer to Hank Mobley than to Bob Cooper) and his driving playing helped Baker to evolve from cool jazz to hard bop. A skilled songwriter (his "Halema" is particularly memorable) and arranger, he was a stabilizing force in Chet Baker's career during 1955-57'. I can speak for the many bebop and Chet Baker fans when I say "Welcome back Phil Urso!"
Scott Yanow,
Author of seven jazz books including Trumpet Kings, Bebop, Swing and Afro-Cuban Jazz
