In A New York Minute

A long-awaited “jazz” album by the great Ronnie Cuber - “… This new set is a prime of example of Cuber dealing with compositions he knows and appreciates. Material that stands up well to re-examination. He’s in good company and great form.” (Mark Gardner – from the linernotes)

Ronnie Cuber (b. Dec. 25, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York), recognized as one og the most important baritone saxophonists in jazz today, has been composing, arranging and leading his own groups since 1959. His powerful command of the instrument led him to perform and record with amazing array of influential artists in almost all thinkable range of musical spectrum. Yet, this is the very first of basic jazz trio album by Ronnie Cuber, which should have a special place in his discography. “There is not one of his records that contains any half-hearted playing or musical skating. When he plays, it’s serious creative business and he tells a story. If you pick up anything under Cuber’s name, you’re guaranteed a winner …. This recording, ”Ronnie”, released on SteepleChase records, is one of the most vivid and personal saxophone playing ever done on a baritone saxophone. This CD is a shining example of Cuber’s big, beefy baritone sax tone and a fluent technique that is a one of a kind match between the gritty, down-home feeling of R&B and the advanced harmonies of bebop.” (JazzTimes on SCCD 31680 “Ronnie”)

For this latest and the fifth album on SteepleChase Ronnie Cuber brought his working band to the studio to appraise the classic BeBop repertoire, “proving in the process the viability of material that has weathered more than 60 years and still sounds super hip and contemporary” (Mark Gardner). On Cuber’s previous release “RONNIE (SCCD 31680) Ken Drydon of AllAboutJazz wrote, “This is his fourth CD for Steeplechase and one of his best sessions.” and London’s Sunday Express commented, “it is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through …An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments…” “Ronnie Cuber is a baritone sax player strong enough to bring out the lyricism of the weighty instrument.” (Aaron Cohen – Downbeat)

The legendary baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber is, as Bill Milkowski of JazzTimes observes, “ still very much on top of his game at age 70”. One summer night of the famed Berlin JazzFest of 2008 finds Ronnie and his group in a relaxed and joyous mood backed by the responsive and enthusiastic audience. “An astonishingly lyrical player on that most unforgiving of instruments … It is the intelligence and subtlety of his playing that shines through…” (Sunday Express UK on Ronnie SCCD 31680) “…while Cuber’s ability to blow over the changes remains unquestioned, it’s his restrained approach and melodic penchant…… that come as a welcome surprise. We all knew Cuber could wail with unparalleled authority, we just didn’t know he could sing so pretty on his big horn.” (Bill Milkowski – JazzTimes on Boplicity SCCD 31734)

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