Greg Marvin
TAKING OFF!
(Timeless CD SJP 348)

Greg Marvin (ts); Tom Harrell (tp);
George Cables (p);
Joe Locke (vbs); Eric von Essen (b);
Sherman Ferguson (d)
Van Gelder Studios, Engelwood Cliffs, NJ

    When I first listened to this recording, I wasn't sure that I wanted to review it because I wasn't sure that I liked the way Greg Marvin plays the tenor saxophone. After spending some time with this, his fourth solo project, I can honestly say that I like his playing very much. I initially found it difficult to listen to Greg's playing because he doesn't sound like anyone else. He has achieved something that very few instumentalists ever achieve - he doesn't sound like anyone else! Most tenor saxophonists I have heard during the past decade show very strong Coltrane and/or Michael Brecker influences. Greg Marvin has a very distinct sound and approach to playing the tenor saxophone that took me a little while to get used to. Now that I'm used to his playing I think it's great.
    One thing that's very unique about his playing is the lack of articulation. He slurs long passages of eighth-notes throughout his solos which in and by itself sets his playing apart from most other saxophonists. This lack of articulation gives his playing a very unique style that probably wouldn't work for many saxophonists, but he is able to use this practice in a very musical way.
    Greg has studied with Lenny Tristano and Warne Marsh and their influences can be heard in his playing. In the liner notes of this CD, Greg claims to have been influenced most by Lester Young, Sonny Rollins, Warne Marsh, and Charlie Parker.
    An important ingredient to the personality of this recording is the chemistry that happens between Marvin and flugelhornist Tom Harrell. Tom can be heard playing trumpet and flugelhorn on many recordings made during the past ten years.He is an incredibly gifted improvisor and has incredible technique on his instrument.
    All but one of the tunes on this recording were written by Greg Marvin. The first selecion, 7 West has a simple melody but a very interesting chord progression devised by Greg. Under Saturn is a pretty ballad based on a 24-bar structure. Taking Off! is based on the changes to All The Things You Are. Nightlife is a burning up-tempo piece that shows Greg's tremendous technique. The tune is based on You Stepped Out of a Dream with Greg's reworking of the bridge section. Love Song is based on Embraceable You and shows Greg playing in a very lyrical, introspective style. His gorgeous tone adds to the beauty of this selection. Devil's Dream is another up-tempo piece. It's based on the changes to I'll Remember April and features burning solos by Greg, Joe Locke on vibes, and Harrell. My Old Flame, by Coslow- Jonston, is the only selection on this recording that wasn't written by Greg Marvin. The head of the tune gets a very interesting treatment from Greg and Tom Harrell playing bits and pieces of the melody in a counterpoint style. The same treatment is applied on the end of the tune. Last Call is based on the changes to Just Friends and provides a very enthusiastic ending to a thoroughly stimulating recording. I recommend that you check out the playing of Greg Marvin.
Paul Evoskevich
Saxophone Journal