Dave Glasser: Evolution

Here Tiz Music
By Ric Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 9.2.10
Buy CD: Evolution

There's an old saying: An individual is known by the quality of his friends.

For our purposes, consider this: A quality musician is known by the artists who seek him as a friend.

Alto saxophonist/composer Dave Glasser fills this definition. During his career, he has performed extensively with some of the finest individuals and groups in the jazz world. He was with Illinois Jacquet in 1988 and again from 1991-95; he was part of the reconstituted Count Basie Band (led by Frank Foster) and with Clark Terry from 1995 to 2006.

As an instructor, Glasser has taught at New York City's New School and numerous other colleges.

Glasser plays hard bop with tinges of Phil Woods, Lee Konitz — who was his instructor for awhile — and a “softer”-blowing Charlie Parker. For this album, Glasser is joined by pianist John Nyerges, bassist Jeff Campbell and drummer Rich Thompson. Glasser wrote four of the eight tracks, and two are covers of tunes by Thelonious Monk (“Rhythm-a-ning”) and Burke/Van Hausen (“It Could Happen to You”).

Everything is top-drawer; it's like “new” trip down a very swinging Memory Lane. Bop fans will love this album.