DON ALIQUO

Saxophonist Don Aliquo Presents Bebop Live and explores the various elements, depths and history of bebop jazz. In the early 1940’s when the younger generation of jazz musicians expanded the creative possibilities of jazz and bebop music first hit the jazz scene it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It was rooted in swing but with fast paced tempos and experimental elements, adventurous improvisation, complex harmonies and chord progressions and a focus on individual virtuosity, and it was not very danceable. Rather than playing heavily arranged music as was common at the time, bebop was a shift from an entertainment focused music to a more cerebral and intellectual art form, with a heavy focus on sections where musicians would improvise over complex chord progressions. Some of the most influential and well known bebop musicians include Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Christian, Max Roach and Art Blakey.

Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk…with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing” while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he’s describing”.

“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.

Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.

Cover: $14.00