The early 21st century has produced few more intelligent voices in contemporary jazz than saxophonist Mark Turner’s. A measured, yet emotionally evocative player, Turner has synthesized some of the structural improvisatory methods provided by Warne Marsh and Wayne Shorter and added language that’s entirely his own. SOLOS: The Jazz Sessions is an enlightening opportunity to hear Turner play unaccompanied as he talks (in the form of short “interviews”) about the theoretical components that he uses in building solos. Not surprisingly, Turner speaks with great clarity and insight about the nature of saxophone improvisation. But SOLOS is no dry piece of didacticism. His tenor playing is often moving and beautiful. Recorded particularly close, the listener hears every breath, every finger click; it’s impossible not to marvel at the range of control that Turner exhibits. “Velvet Underground” and “Berkeley Street” are good examples. Unhurriedly worked out, the saxophonist develops simple strands of thematic material – a scale here, an arpeggiated chord there, patterns played with one or two changing notes, each piece growing more complex, although never less transparent, as it goes. Turner also talks about his parents listening to Al Green and Stevie Wonder, suggesting that these were influences. “Beauty Mark”… read more »