Saxophonist and composer, arranger, the tenor saxophonist Paul Carlon invites you into a lush universe reminiscent of Horace Silver and The Messengers, with mostly original compositions. The result is particularly captivating, successfully evoking that glorious era while incorporating a very contemporary form through the arrangements, allowing us to joyfully navigate through the 8 tracks of this album. The Paul Carlon Trio was formed in the winter of 2015 when he was asked to put together a group for a regular Saturday brunch concert at Papasito restaurant in Upper Manhattan. Adapting Sonny Rollins’ trio concept without a chordal instrument to a Latin format, Paul decided to invite friends to the concert and let their creativity take them wherever it could. Grammy-nominated conguero Wilson “Chembo” Corniel and young bassist Alex Ayala were called in, and the group began attracting a loyal audience every week.
This album features fabulous musicians from the New York scene: Paul Carlon on saxophone, the excellent Eddie Allen on trumpet, Harvie S. on bass, the elegant Helio Alves on piano, and Willie Martinez on drums. We are drawn into a deep listening experience with Bop rhythms, a style mastered by the great Miles Davis and evidently inspiring Paul Carlon as well. Saxophonist and composer Paul Carlon grew up in rural central New York State and began playing music in 4th grade at school. Paul initially tried to follow in the footsteps of his elders, who played string instruments, by taking cello lessons, but the vibrant timbre and mystery of the saxophone attracted him more. From there, his musical experience was a blend of school learning and self-teaching. After earning a degree in English literature from Cornell University in 1991, Paul moved to New York and became part of the flourishing 90s jazz scene, learning from the elders and participating in nightly cutting sessions at Small’s jazz club.
In fact, such musicians can tackle both jazz history references and a very contemporary form of jazz with the same elegance because they fully live their art. Our fellow journalists don’t mince words or their affection for this quintet;
“Blues for Vita is a solid, satisfying killer. It is an impeccably performed and produced session that features truly exceptional jazz talents.” – Nicholas F. Mondello, All About Jazz
“A superb jazz journey… If it’s high energy you’re seeking in your jazz experience, you’ll find nothing better than the scintillating “Isabel the Liberator” – the entire quintet is cooking on this performance, and you’ll find yourself head-nodding and toe-tapping in a BIG way (just as I did).”–Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Review
“Carlon enters with that tenor saxophone that’s full of deep tones and the blues. I am enamored by the sonic tones floating from his horn.” – Making a Scene Review by Dee Dee McNeil.
And it is true that these musicians show perfect complicity here, a masterful way of playing this music, a particular delicacy that we appreciate, which earns this album a lovely place in our “Essentials.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 7th 2024
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