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Myron Walden is a jazz saxophonist, but listeners will hear other musical influences on Countryfied, his latest CD. The blues, rock and soul can be heard both in Walden's saxophone playing and in the playing of his sidemen. Walden's uncle introduced him to jazz by playing Charlie Parker records when Walden was a boy. Later, Walden joined the Brian Blade Fellowship Band, and his jazz was augmented with the funk, country, blues and rock that drummer Blade learned in his native Louisiana.
Those influences infuse the jazz played on Countryfied. Listeners can hear blues on the title track. The interplay between Walden's sax and the organ gives the pensive "What Will Be Will Be," a gospel feel. The introduction on "I Cain't Do Nomore" might have listeners thinking they will get more of the same. However, the song transitions into a jazz/funk groove. "Double Dippin'" takes two big dips into the junk and rock bag.
Myron Walden is a jazz saxophonist, but listeners will hear other musical influences on Countryfied, his latest CD. The blues, rock and soul can be heard both in Walden's saxophone playing and in the playing of his sidemen. Walden's uncle introduced him to jazz by playing Charlie Parker records when Walden was a boy. Later, Walden joined the Brian Blade Fellowship Band, and his jazz was augmented with the funk, country, blues and rock that drummer Blade learned in his native Louisiana.
Those influences infuse the jazz played on Countryfied. Listeners can hear blues on the title track. The interplay between Walden's sax and the organ gives the pensive "What Will Be Will Be," a gospel feel. The introduction on "I Cain't Do Nomore" might have listeners thinking they will get more of the same. However, the song transitions into a jazz/funk groove. "Double Dippin'" takes two big dips into the junk and rock bag.
As diverse as all these tracks sound, each song on Countryfied has a few things in common. One is Walden's hard work and creativity on the sax. However, these songs are long enough to provide each of the players with ample time to create and play off each other. In a way Countryfied has a jam band kind of feel. It's definitely an album for people who want the singers to get out of the way and let the band members have a little fun.
Notable tracks: Double Dippin', If It Wasn't For My Pride, I Cain't Do Nomore
Music: 3.5 stars
Vocals: N/A
Lyrics: N/A
Production: 3.5 stars
Soultracks call: Recommended
By Howard Dukes