Requisites

Workout! ~ Greg Marvin Quintet | By Eddie Carter

I’ve loved the tenor sax since childhood, and this morning’s record from the library is Workout! (Criss 1037), a recent discovery and acquisition on Criss Cross Jazz by The Greg Marvin Quintet. Greg was born in 1956 and began playing the guitar at age seven. He later took up the soprano sax at age seventeen, then graduated to his primary instrument, the tenor sax. Workout is his third album, following two on his label, Hi-Hat Records. Here, he’s working with an excellent supporting cast: Tom Harrell on trumpet, Kenny Barron on piano, George Mraz on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums. My copy is the original 1988 Netherlands Stereo release.

The album opens with Zip, the leader’s toe-tapping melody that the front line states in unison. Marvin leads off with a lively opening statement, followed by a short, brisk walk by Mraz. Harrell keeps right on swinging in the third solo. Barron strolls into the following reading seamlessly, and Washington finishes the solos before the song’s ending. The ensemble shifts into second gear for Everything I Have Is Yours by Burton Lane and Harold Adamson. The front line delivers the melody briskly; then, Barron sets the table; next, Marvin goes to work. Harrell takes the third bite of this juicy tune, and Washington serves the finale with his brushwork into the theme’s restatement.

The quintet starts the melody of Dickie’s Dream by Count Basie and Lester Young swiftly. Barron opens the first solo rapidly. Marvin follows him just as quickly in the second statement, and then Harrell moves like mad next. Mraz and Washington share a vigorous conversation, followed by the front line’s swift finale ahead of the climax. Side Two continues the upbeat mood with the ensemble’s theme of Subconscious-Lee by Lee Konitz. Marvin takes off like a rocket in the opening statement. Harrell continues motoring along quickly in the following reading. Barron’s fingers flow with equal intensity next; Mraz gives an exciting performance preceding the group’s return.

Lover Man by Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, and Jimmy Sherman begins with the front line’s bewitching introduction, which blossoms into the quintet’s melody. Kenny displays a tender touch of grace and beauty in the opening solo; next, George adds a seductive sensuality to the finale into the ensemble’s gentle conclusion. Gentle Giant is Greg Marvin’s lively tribute to Warne Marsh. The quintet swings from the start of the front line’s collective melody. The leader kicks off the opening statement, and Harrell follows with a splendid performance. Barron moves smoothly through the following reading, and then Mraz dazzles one final time into the theme’s reprise and exit.

Greg Marvin did triple duty as leader, composer and producer of Workout, and Jim Anderson was the album’s recording engineer. The sound quality is excellent, with a gorgeous soundstage that brings the musicians to your listening room with exceptional clarity. I was also very impressed with what I’ve heard from Greg Marvin and his colleagues. The music itself is excellent, as are the solos on every track. I would have loved to hear more from the saxophonist, and I’ll be hunting for his other releases. If you’re a tenor sax fan, I recommend Workout! by The Greg Marvin Quintet on your next vinyl hunt. It’s an easy album to listen to and perfect to enjoy while relaxing during the day or evening!

~ The Greg Marvin Quartet (Hi-Hat Records GM-1), I’ll Get By (Hi-Hat Records GM-2) – Source: Discogs.com
~ Lover Man – Source: JazzStandards.com
~ Everything I Have Is Yours – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter


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