Ted Nash

Item: Still Evolved
Author: Jeff Cebulski

Still Evolved

(2003)

Reviewed by Jeff Cebulski

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Label Palmetto RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

jazz swing

Mr. Nash, until lately known as a sax sideman and member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, is debuted as a leader with the good sense of asking his orchestra leader, one Wynton Marsalis, to sit in on half of the cuts. Marsalis responds with his finest playing in half a decade, especially on "Bells of Brescia," a marvelous ballad, the tone eloquently established by an unblemished yet soulful coda that evokes memories of Booker Little and the luxurious sound of Lee Morgan. The album's mix of rhythms invites close listening, and the players are top-notch: Marcus Printup (for Marsalis) on four pieces, and three of New York's young lions--Frank Kimbrough on piano, Ben Allison on bass, and Matt Wilson on drums. As for Nash, his years under Marsalis' direction has developed the confidence to handle all sorts of material without undue strain.