Jazz / Hard Bop
George Robert - Sax (Alto), Trombone
Antoine Ogay Mastering, Digital Editing
Blaise Favre Engineer
Dado Moroni Piano
Gigi Schmid-Huetiger Artwork
Gino Ferlin Production Coordination
Isla Eckinger Bass
Jimmy Woode Liner Notes
Paul J. Hoeffler Photography
Peter Schmidlin Executive Producer, Drums
Philippe Dubath Executive Producer
Rudolf Bolleter Photography
Yvan Ischer Executive Producer
This 1994 concert by the Swiss alto saxophonist George Robert is one of his best outings; he could be easily mistaken for Phil Woods, though he is no mere clone. Robert's excellent quartet includes pianist Dado Moroni, bassist Isla Eckinger, and drummer Peter Schmidlen. The program starts with a pulsing take of Duke Pearson's "Jeanine," followed by a shimmering arrangement of Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance." The CD's highlight is Kenny Barron's "Voyage," which sends the group into hard bop overdrive. Their inventive performances of Billy Strayhorn's "U.M.M.G." and a less frequently played song by Clifford Brown, the bluesy "Sandu," are also memorable. Robert also contributed two fine originals to the date. Fans of hard bop will want to pick up this recommended release. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
George Robert
Active Decades: '80s, '90s and '00s
Born: 1960
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Big Band, Swing, Hard Bop
One of the finest jazz musicians born in Switzerland, altoist George Robert has long considered his main influences to be Charlie Parker and Phil Woods. He started on piano when he was eight, and clarinet at ten, playing with a family band that included his four brothers. Robert switched permanently to alto as a teenager. In 1980, he moved to the United States to study at Berklee, settling in New York in 1985. Robert recorded his first album that year (for his GPR label), and in 1987, formed a quintet that he co-led with trumpeter Tom Harrell on and off through 1992. George Robert, who has toured with Clark Terry, has recorded many albums as a leader for Contemporary, TCB, Mons, and Jazz Focus.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
