With a bumper crowd of jazz tenor saxophonists emerging during the last two decades of the 20th century, it is easy for a listener to get overwhelmed with choosing new artists to explore. But Joel Frahm already had several strong CDs as a leader under his belt before recording his first session for a brand new label, Anzic. The big-toned player benefits from a seasoned rhythm section, including pianist Kenny Barron (whom he met while he was a student at Rutgers), bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Victor Lewis. Rather than choose the easy way and cover a lot of familiar standards and jazz compositions, Frahm opts for a well-conceived collection of original compositions, including the loping “Bob’s Blues” and the spry, twisting “A Whole New You.” Frahm invited Barron to share a couple of pieces written some time ago, including the lush ballad “Song for Abdullah” and the gentle bossa nova “Joanne Julia,” the latter bringing Barron’s recorded collaborations with Stan Getz. When Frahm calls for standards, his choice of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” and “My Ideal” are excellent vehicles to showcase his lyrical side. Beautifully recorded and well played throughout the session, Joel Frahm has made it known he is on the jazz scene to stay. – Ken Dryden
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