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ADAM SCHROEDER Let's Capri 74134-2

1. Hello Bright Sunflower

2. In the Middle of a Kiss

3. Just Clap Your Hands

4. You and I

5. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams

6. A Hawkeye, A Hoosier, and Two Cali Cats

7. Contemplation (Intro)

8. Patient Endurance, Steady Hope

9. Let's

10. Southside Samba

11. The Smulyan Spectacles

Adam Schroeder - Baritone sax

Anthony Wilson - Guitar

John Clayton - Bass

Jeff Hamilton - Drums

Adam Schroeder, an LA-based, Iowa-born, 36-year-old, was originally an altoist but now plays baritone sax and on that instrument was identified as a Rising Star in the Downbeat Magazine's 59^th Annual Critics’ Poll and the 76^th Annual Readers’ Poll. On the evidence of this recording we can see why. I was interested to discover that his entire rhythm section accompanied singer/pianist Diana Krall on her Live in Paris gig. John Clayton, of course, is immensely experienced and, along with Jeff Hamilton, was involved in the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra as well as winning a Grammy for Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist. Guitarist Anthony Wilson had a Grammy-nominated debut album way back in 1997 and may now be approaching his musical prime. This group has pedigree!

The disc features five Schroeder compositions, two standards, one Stevie Wonder song and three written by other jazz musicians.Hullo Bright Sunflower is a jaunty Duke Pearson number somewhat reminiscent of Lullaby of Broadway. In the Middle of a Kiss is a tuneful melody which swings along merrily. Just Clap Your Hands is a catchy, if a tad repetitive, piece with a bass and sax lead-in, a fluent guitar solo backed by shimmering percussion and Schroeder robust on baritone sax. You and I is a gentle, relaxed version of a Stevie Wonder song, the guitar prominent and the sax, too, helping to make this very easy on the ear. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams has the group combining well. Imaginative guitar, effective bass solo, the kind of drumming that propels the musicians along and Schroeder himself on gutsy form. A Hawkeye, A Hoosier, and Two Cali Cats, I'm guessing refers to the geographical roots of each member of the quartet and it certainly makes provision for everyone to go through their paces. Contemplation is both sombre in tone and brief. Patient Endurance, Steady Hope is low-key but appealing, with a touch of the blues. There is further scope for Anthony Wilson to exhibit his skills and for the expansive Adam Schroeder to weave mazy patterns of improvisation. Let's, a Thad Jones original, is given a busy rendition with drummer Jeff Hamilton, in particular, putting in a shift. Southside Samba represents a lively account of Benny Carter's bouncy tune which the musicians all seem to enjoy. Schroeder is positively Rollinsesque, albeit on the baritone. The Smulyan Spectacles consists of a romp through this tribute to a baritone sax legend.

This disc, then, offers plenty of moments to relish, in the company of musicians with genuine class. It should have wide appeal.

James Poore

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