Requisites

Neo/Nistico ~ Sal Nistico | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library is another recent acquisition that introduced me to tenor saxophonist, Sal Nistico. Salvatore was born on April 2, 1938, in Syracuse, New York, and began playing the alto sax, before switching to tenor in 1956. He also played baritone sax for a few years. Sal was a member of Count Basie’s and Woody Herman’s bands and also played with Nat Adderley, Chet Baker, Don Ellis, Curtis Fuller, Dusko Goykovich, Johnny Griffin, The Jazz Brothers Band, Buddy Rich, and Stan Tracey to name a few. Neo/Nistico (Bee Hive Records BH 7006) finds him leading a world-class sextet, Ted Curson on flugelhorn (tracks: A1, B3), trumpet (tracks: B1, B2), Nick Brignola (tracks: A1, B2) on baritone sax, Ronnie Matthews on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. My copy used in this report is the original 1978 Mono release.

Side One takes off with Anthropology by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker set at a blistering pace with both saxes backed by Roy presenting the melody. Nick applies searing heat to the opening statement, then Ted gives a high-energy reading that ascends to an exciting climax. Sal sizzles like a firecracker about to explode on the third solo, and Ronnie stirs it all together in an exhilarating statement preceding the front-line’s exchange and ensemble’s abrupt close. The beat slows down for You Don’t Know What Love Is by Gene de Paul and Don Raye. The quartet opens with a sensuous theme. Nistico begins the first reading with a delicately elegant conversation. Matthews begins the second statement with a soothing, almost seductive quality that’s beautifully tender. Nistico swings briefly on a robust return culminating in a gorgeous ending.

The quartet continues with a brisk workout of Be My Love by Nicholas Brodsky and Sammy Cahn. It was written in 1949 for Mario Lanza who sang it in the 1950 film, The Toast of New Orleans. The trio makes a feisty introduction to Sal’s lively theme and enthusiastic lead solo. Ronnie follows with a jubilant reading, then Sam cuts into the next statement like a hot knife through butter.  Roy engages in a satisfying exchange with Sal that doesn’t stop swinging until the upbeat ending.  Blues For K.D. is a Nistico original written to honor trumpeter Kenny Dorham that charges out of the gate on a vigorous melody. The leader is up first and delivers a torrid solo, then Curson ignites a mighty fire with his trumpet.  Matthews keeps the flame burning next, and Haynes does some heavy cooking on the closer amid an interchange of ideas with all three soloists.

Sal’s Bambu is a festive tune he composed while playing around on the piano in Europe. It’s a danceable mix of Afro-Calypso and Latin that’s highly rhythmic, infectious, and fun. The solo order is Brignola, Curson, Matthews, Haynes, and all four soloists invite us to party with them until an abrupt halt. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum by Wayne Shorter was first recorded by its composer on Speak No Evil (1966). The quintet starts with a stroll on the opening chorus at a leisurely tempo. Nistico starts the first solo conveying a light mood that’s joyously carefree and happy.  Curson begins the next reading with an easy-going attitude, building steadily into an enjoyable groove. Matthews adds a great finishing touch with a briskly efficient finale cooking over a mild flame from Jones and Haynes ahead of the quintet’s closing chorus.

Neo/Nistico was produced by Joe Neumann, founder of Bee Hive Records, and engineered by Fred Norsworthy. I was very impressed with the record’s sound quality. It has an excellent soundstage with crystal-clear highs, a sharp midrange, and solid bass. Sal’s career as a musician lasted nearly three decades, and he spent a lot of time performing in Europe. He passed away on March 3, 1991, at age fifty-three. If you’re a fan of the tenor sax, Post-Bop, or are just discovering him as I have, I offer for your consideration, Neo/Nistico by Sal Nistico, an album of six performances that sparkle and swing from start to finish.  I’m very happy I found it and have it in my library.  After one audition, I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

~ Speak No Evil (Blue Note BLP 4194/BST 84194) – Source: Discogs.com
~ Anthropology, You Don’t Know What Love Is, Be My Love – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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