LIVE
By Itchy Fingers
Released
REVIEW
The 1980s and 1990s saw the birth of quite a few jazz-oriented all-saxophone groups, including the Rova Saxophone Quartet, the World Saxophone Quartet, the Swedish Sax Septet, the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, and the Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra. One of the noteworthy saxophone groups that came out of England in the 1980s was Itchy Fingers, whose Live was recorded at various European concerts in 1988 and 1989 but wasn't released until 1991. There is no rhythm section on this CD -- no bass, no piano, no drums. But none of those instruments are missed because the four saxophonists who comprise Itchy Fingers still have a very full and rich sound. Together, leader Mike Mower (tenor sax), John Graham (soprano, alto, and tenor sax), Nigel Hitchcock (alto sax), and Howard Turner (baritone sax) say everything that needs to be said. The only standard on this CD is Bronislau Kaper's "Invitation," a haunting gem that was unveiled in Lana Turner's 1950 film A Life of Her Own. Most of the other selections were written by either Mower or Graham, and both show themselves to be talented composers -- Graham on the intriguing "The Headmaster's Daughter" and the dusky "The Devil's Pulpit," Mower on pieces that range from the moody, slightly Ellingtonian "Woe" to the playful "Dakhut." Meanwhile, "Yuppieville Rodeo" is an exuberant Mower item that bears a bit of a resemblance to Oliver Nelson's "Hoe Down." The only time this CD bends its all-saxophone rule is when Mower takes the occasional flute solo. But saxophones are the main thing, and Live is recommended to anyone who has a taste for saxophone combos. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
