Desert Winds

Desert Winds

performed by Illinois Jacquet, 1922-2004 (GRP Records, 2004), 35 mins

This is a sample. For full access:

Please choose from the following options to gain full access to this content

Log in via your academic institution

Details

Field of Interest
Jazz
Content Type
Music recording
Duration
35 mins
Format
Audio
Sub Genre
Hard-Bop
Label
GRP Records
Performer
Illinois Jacquet, 1922-2004
UPC (Physical)
00602498617687
Date Recorded
1964-02-13
Release Date
2004-06-22
Review
Illinois Jacquet's searing sax solo in 1942's "Flying Home" (recorded while Jacquet was a member of Lionel Hampton's band) is often credited as the first R&B-styled saxophone solo, and there is no denying the power in that performance, shards of which are still being copied and assimilated. But many critics of the day hated the "dirty tenor" sound, and over the years Jacquet softened his approach considerably, knocking off the wilder corners and playing a smoother, more standard line. Not that this was necessarily a bad thing, since Jacquet was an accomplished melodic player in any style, but listeners should be aware that his rougher sound was all but gone by the time Desert Winds was recorded in 1964. Working with guitarist Kenny Burrell, pianist Tommy Flanagan, and a rhythm section of Wendell Marshall on bass and Ray Lucas on drums, with Willie Rodriguez adding bongos and congas on most tracks, Jacquet's playing here is hushed, easy, and pleasant, with no discernible hard edges, and with no other horn player on the session, he has plenty of room to let his solos build and unwind. He does break out a little bit on the group's version of the Lester Young classic "Lester Leaps In," but most cuts, like the title track, have an unhurried, relaxing midtempo shuffle pace, making Desert Winds feel like the aural equivalent of a gentle twilight breeze. The added percussion gets a little distracting on occasion, but overall Jacquet is in fine lyrical form, particularly on the standout track here, a beautiful version of "You're My Thrill" that carries all the breathy romanticism of a classic Ben Webster solo, and is one of Jacquet's finest pieces. An underappreciated and unassuming album, Desert Winds has plenty of easy charm, and while there are no barn-burning solos here, there are plenty of moments of quiet and lyrical joy. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
Subject
Jazz, Music & Performing Arts, Hard-Bop, Hard-Bop
Keywords and Translated Subjects
Hard-Bop

View my Options

Listen Now

Create an account and get 24 hours access for free.

Spaces are not allowed; punctuation is not allowed except for periods, hyphens, apostrophes, and underscores.
Please enter a valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.
This email will be your username
This is the name displayed to others on any playlists or clips you share
×