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The sixteen minute live piece? "Scare 'Em Stupid" could almost be worth the price of Jeff Marx's new recording alone. It begins with a complex tenor sax and piano dialogue that gives way to an evolving and simply killer sax solo mirrored by equally open piano and bass solos that change in tempo and mood. All of this is held together by some extremely tight drum work. The composition is a good reflection of the overall flow of his new recording, Treading Air, Breathing Fire. The Chicago based saxophonist influences show hints of greats John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. His voice is throaty with rapid bursts of notes and highly developed control. The eight selections are “straightahead modern post bop” if you're into labels, but the main consideration is the extremely tight performance of Jeff Marx's band. The group performs with a looseness that allows the music to be spontaneous and free in a variety of modes. Two of the more notable names on the ticket are pianist John Esposito, who has worked with Pharaoh Sanders and Dave Douglas; and bassist Ira Coleman, who has performed with Herbie Hancock and the Tony Williams Quintet. Their performances, along with Marx and drummer Peter O'Brien's, are simply inspired. Esposito's talent pours out freely in the blissful 'Treading Air' and the stirring 'Song of The Trees' with elaborate and artistic solos. Ira Coleman is simply "the man" and delivers terrific bass lines that swell, dance, and ignite each piece. His solo on the odd metered 'Forsaken' is a thing of beauty. All of this is kept in check by the sharp drumming of O'Brien. Marx starts and finishes with the same vivid tenor sound that is not just about high style but more of feeling and earnest playing. With inflections, guttural tones, spiraling notes, and just simply playing his horn off, he's created quite a memorable recording. Highly recommended. - Mark F. Turner, AllAboutJazz.com Play Through A Glass Lightly Play Desperate Measures Play Samples of the entire album Songs on this album are: 1. Times Change 2. Through A Glass Lightly 4. Scare 'Em Stupid (Live) 5. Song Of The Trees 6. Desperate Measures 7. Forsaken 8. Zenobia  |
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| About Jeff Marx Born and raised in Detroit, tenor saxophonist, Jeff Marx has been playing the horn since 1973 with his work showcased coast to coast and in Europe. From his early years in San Francisco, to playing with the greats in New York, Detroit and Chicago, Marx has left his mark on the world of jazz. His distinctive style has been compared to a combination of John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. Marx's interest in jazz began in Detroit while he was a young man. From his earliest recollection, jazz was his music of choice. Seeking to learn more, in the '70's Marx made it to Berkeley to study with Hal Stein on the West Coast. In Oakland and San Francisco the Jazz scene was hot and Marx played with greats like Eddie Henderson and Mark Levine. Once jazz was in his blood, Marx went to New York for 14 years where he played with Reggie Workman, Steve Slagle, Guitarist Kevin McNeil, Donald Byrd, Ed Schuler, Jim Pepper, Gene Jackson, Ira Coleman, Santi DeBriano and Dave Stryker among others. For five years, he co-led in Second Sight with John Esposito, Jeff Siegel and Dave Douglas who was named Downbeat's "Musician of the year in 2,000." Increased visibility led him to tour overseas where he played in the Cascais Portugal Jazz Fest and throughout Europe. In addition, Marx played at the Greenwich Jazz Festival and for Columbia College radio in New York. Although sad, he was honored to play for the National Radio memorial program for his former colleague, Jim Pepper. In the '90's Chicago has been Jeff Marx's home. Most recently Marx played at the 2002 Detroit Jazz Festival. Between Chicago, Detroit, New York, Milwaukee, and Ann Arbor, Jeff has been busy with gigs at notable area clubs. The sound of Marx can be heard on his own CD, "Great Unknown", on Don Bennett's CD "Reaching for a Star" with Jessie Davis on Alto Sax and Malachi Thompson on trumpet, as well as on "Second Sight" by the group, Second Sight. Now you can hear Marx on Soluna Records label with his newest release, "Treading Air, Breathing Fire." |