On September 18, 2013, Adam Larson, a saxophonist currently residing in New York and one of our Teen Jazz Artists, released his sophomore album and I’ve been digging it quite a bit. The music consists of six original compositions by Larson, a tune by Nils Weinhold and an Irving Berlin piece all heavily influenced by bebop and post-bop.

First, I have to say that considering the fact that it’s been less than a year since his debut release Simple Beauty, it’s astonishing how far his playing and skills as a composer have come in a few months. Although Simple Beauty and Overdue Ovation are reasonably diverse in style, performance, and even instrumentation, the two albums are both impressive efforts by the young saxophonist.

“Without” is by far my favorite track on the album. The melody is enrapturing; Larson plays an exemplary solo and the arrangement encourages you to just sit back, close your eyes and surround yourself with the music.

“Overdue Ovation,” the title track on the album is a heartfelt tribute to two of Adam’s greatest supporters – his parents. In the words of the saxophonist, “They are such a huge part of my musical upbringing, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

“Remember” is another of my favorites on the project. It’s an excellent rendition of an Irving Berlin composition and I really enjoy the way Adam and trumpeter Gabe Medd trade on the melody. Each member of the group also gets the opportunity to shine with a solo on this particular track and it’s refreshing to hear what each performer has to say while trading towards the end of the track.

The musicians on the album include pianist Can Olgan, trumpeter Gabe Medd, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Rodney Green and, of course, Adam Larson on tenor and soprano saxophones.

Back in 2005, the Illinois-native Adam was one of Teen Jazz’s featured young artists. Since he has gone on to earn his undergraduate degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he is currently enrolled in his last year and working on his Master’s degree.

You can read our interview with Adam here or learn more about this up and coming saxophonist at his website.

Get Overdue Ovation on Amazon

Title: Overdue Ovation
Artist: Adam Larson
Date: September 18, 2013
Genre: Jazz
Label: Adam Larson Music Group

Tracks:
01 This As Well
02 Imdemnification Blues
03 Overdue Ovation
04 Remember
05 Too Much, Too Soon
06 Prinzenpark
07 Without
08 Layers

Get Overdue Ovation on Amazon

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Published by Shannon Kennedy

Shannon Kennedy is a vocalist and saxophonist living in Southern California. She is author of "The Album Checklist" and the founder of Teen Jazz. She has been contributing articles to music magaizines and websites since 2004.