Jazz / Post-Bop, Contemporary Jazz, Straight-Ahead Jazz
Adam Schroeder Composer, Producer, Arranger, Sax (Baritone)
Adolph Green Lyricist, Composer
Ariel Lapidus Cover Art, Design
Barry Harris Composer
Betty Comden Lyricist, Composer
Billy Strayhorn Composer
Brad Dechter Liner Notes
Cole Porter Composer
Duke Ellington Composer
Gerald Clayton Arranger
Graham Dechter Arranger, Guitar
Harold Spina Composer
Jack Elliott Composer
Jack Lawrence Composer
Jeff Hamilton Drums
Jim Kamoosi Cover Art, Design
John Clayton Bass
Josh Nelson Arranger
Jule Styne Composer
Lee Gaines Composer, Lyricist
Lesley Bea Photography
Lisa Schroeder Photography
Neal Hefti Composer
Quincy Jones Composer
Ron McMaster Mastering
Steve Genewick Engineer
Ted Shapiro Composer
Tom Burns Producer
A Handful Of Stars is a most apt description for Los Angeles' first call baritone saxophonist Adam Schroeder's debut release as a leader. He has assembled a hard-swinging and sublimely sensitive quartet with veterans John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and rising star guitarist, Graham Dechter. The eleven tunes include works by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Neal Hefti, Quincy Jones and other composers as well as two of Schroeder's elegant originals. While Schroeder is most at home leading his own quartet, he has also been featured with Anthony Wilson's Nonet, Clayton/Hamiton Jazz Orchestra, Benny Wallace, Ray Charles and Clark Terry.
Adam Schroeder makes his debut as a leader with A Handful of Stars. Following a number of giants who have played the baritone sax, Schroeder's approach is closest to that of Gerry Mulligan, due to his emphasis on the big reed as a melodic instrument, plus his preference for a pianoless quartet. Schroeder, who has recorded with Clark Terry, Bennie Wallace, Taylor Eigsti, Anthony Wilson, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, recruited the co-leaders from the latter band, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, plus guitarist Graham Dechter (also a Clayton-Hamilton sideman). "I Don't Wanna Be Kissed" is a perfect example of a great song that has been overlooked by jazz musicians; Schroeder's robust baritone sizzles in Josh Nelson's lightly swinging arrangement. Cole Porter's "I Happen to Be in Love" is another forgotten gem worthy of attention; Gerald Clayton's scoring of it reveals its potential, accented by the tasty solos of Schroeder, Dechter, and John Clayton. The baritone saxophonist is also up to the challenge of familiar works. His novel duo setting of Duke Ellington's "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'" opens with his reed accompanied by Clayton's whimsical arco bass, though Clayton does alternate playing pizzicato as well. The leader's cooking setting of the standard "Just in Time" pulses with energy, with Dechter's solo showing shades of the great Bucky Pizzarelli. Schroeder's compositions are also potent. The breezy funk vehicle "Midwest Mash" recalls the groove sound popularized in the late '60s and early '70s, showcasing Dechter's bluesy solo. Schroeder's lush ballad "Hidden Within" was jointly arranged by the saxophonist and guitarist, where his horn almost seems to whisper. This is a well-conceived debut by the talented Adam Schroeder. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi |
