Amazing how some of the elder masters keep at it. Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson (76) can be enjoyed live in Denver, Colorado on March 26 & 27, where he’ll be playing the Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge. McPherson is also one of the teachers at UC San Diego Jazz Camp, June 18-24. Beside performing and teaching, McPherson has found his way to the studio on a regular basis. McPherson’s latest album, The Journey, was released in January 2015. It finds McPherson at the top of his form.
Charles McPherson has always been a dedicated torchbearer of bebop, without lingering too much in the past. An altoist in the style of Charlie Parker, McPherson shaped a distinct personality, adding a rich, resonant alto sound to angular, blues-infested phrasing. McPherson has always displayed a particular lyrical talent for balladry. Best known for his long association with Charles Mingus during the sixties and start of the seventies, McPherson has recorded prolifically as a leader and sideman. You will find an insightful, extended biography on McPherson’s website by Donnie Norton here
You can find my review of The Quintet/Live! here. Check some of my favorite (available) moments of McPherson on YouTube:
Explorations from McPherson’s Mood
Reincarnation Of A Love Bird, with Charles Mingus, from Charles Mingus’ Blue Bird
Don’t Explain from Siku Ya Bibi
And listen to The Journey below: