Dave Anderson Quartet
Clarity
Pony Boy Records
www.daveandersonjazz.com
By George W. Harris

You know a guy has a good attitude about leadership when you can’t tell
which instrument he’s playing in the quartet. I had to look on the
liner notes to confirm that the titular head was alto/soprano saxist
Dave Anderson; while composing the brunk of the material, he gives
plenty of space and opportunity to his so-called subordinates (John
Hansen/p, Chuck Kistler/b, Adam Kessler/dr) on this impressive debut
recording.

He’s got an impressive tone on the soprano, and uses it well on Joe
Henderson’s “Y Ya La Quiero” and his own “Wabi-Sabi” which also
includes Thomas Marriott’s flugelhorn. The rapport between Anderson
and pianist Hansen is palpable, particularly on the conversational duet
on “The Aviator” which has the two going back and forth like friends
over a cup of coffee, as well as some impressive work on “Osby-an.”
Fresh as dew on a tree, this is music that will perk you up.