It’s not hard to figure out the story behind the title for Tom Tallitsch’s tenth album but it’s also not hard to figure from the first listen that Tallitsch has big chops as both a composer and a saxophonist. He always had.
For his 2019 presentation, Tallitsch leaves behind classic Blue Note trappings that brought forth a great batch of records for Posi-Tone to make the self-released Ten with a somewhat different approach. This time, the backing band is changed up completely with acoustic bassist Jason Fraticelli, drummer Dan Monaghan and guitarist Mike Kennedy. Kennedy more than anyone is the main protagonist for Tallitsch’s altered sound print, with a reverb-drenched tone that firmly sets a foot a piece in rock and jazz. The Fraticelli/Monaghan rhythm unit likewise displasy almost an ambivalence about whether to rock or bop and yet the band thrives on being in that no-man’s land.
This new presentation makes itself apparent from the start: “Traveler” utilizes the jagged guitar of Kennedy (who leaves behind a simmering solo mid-solo), and even Fraticelli’s acoustic bass aside accurately reads the slightly dark, laid-back demeanor of the song. A walking bass tethers “Pine”, but that barely contains Monaghan as he sets off minor explosions while Tallitsch expresses himself on tenor with poised passion.
“Lemmings” is a soul-jazz piece at heart, given a funky treatment that’s underpinned by Fraticelli’s syncopated bass line; it’s a great springboard for an extended, highlight-filled sax run. “Orange, Yellow, And Red” is a downshift into a slow, blues-y character (even though it’s not a blues). “Ya Might Feel A Little Pressure” is loosely played, paced by Monaghan’s cascade of cymbals as Tallitsch and Kennedy stretch out. Tallitsch goes for the soprano sax for concluding tune “North Shore,” but it’s Fraticelli who gets extended time in the sun and acquits himself well.
So while Ten might sometimes posit itself closer to the rock camp than to jazz, it retains all the improvisation and musicianship associated with the latter. As always, Tallitsch’s strong composing pen and advanced saxophone expression assures that whatever mission he attempts lands on its feet.
Ten is new available for sale via Amazon, iTunes and Tallitsch’s website.
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