Andrew Van Tassel - Shape-Shifter

Andrew Van Tassel - Shape-Shifter - Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records

Andrew Van Tassel's new album finds inspiration from many musical sources, including bebop/hard bop, fusion, indie rock, and classical music. The saxophonist, composer, and educator studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory. He studied under such luminaries as luminaries Jerry Bergonzi, Donny McCaslin, John McNeil, and MacArthur Fellows Jason Moran and Miguel Zenon. The venues he has played include The Jazz Gallery, ShapeShifter Lab, the Cornelia Street Café, the Bar Next Door, and Rockwood Music Hall. His previous album, "It's Where You Are" (Tone Rogue Records), was highly praised, and an original composition from the record was a recipient of the 2017 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award.

Van Tassel has brought together a terrific band of Lucas Hahn – piano, Wurlitzer, Alex Goodman – guitar, Rick Rosato – bass, and Kush Abadey – drums. Goodman is present on 3 of the nine tracks. Also heard on this album are Michael Mayo's voice on one selection and Alex Van Gils on live electronics and processing on six pieces. Seven of the nine tracks are his compositions, one is a standard, and one is his adaptation of a Robert Frost poem.

Van Tassel is impressive on both alto and soprano sax with a tone with a light vibrato at most and a fluid attack. The rhythm section is exemplary, with Kush Abadey being especially impressive, helping propel the performances. A classic Blue Note feel underlies a number of these performances, starting with the breezy swing of the opening "East Wind," which is one of three selections that sport Goodman's guitar with his horn-like ensemble playing and solo mixing single note lines and chords. Van Tassel's solo is fruity. There is a laconic feel to "Undertone," where Hahn solos quite impressively, with Abadey providing sterling accompaniment. Goodman returns for the airy Brazilian-tinged "Sphere."

Van Tassel provides a charming arrangement and swirling soprano sax for Robert Frost's poem "A Dream For a Buried Flower," with Michael Mayo's voice and unidentified singers providing wordless vocals. "Rain Waltz" is a light jazz waltz with an attractive and imaginative soprano sax solo. Van Gils gives atmospheric background to the swinging "On the Up" with first-rate solos from the leader, Goodman, and Hahn. Among the other selections is a dreamy reinvention of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," with Van Tassel playing mesmerizing soprano sax. 

Andrew Van Tassel is a saxophonist of considerable talent and a notable composer. With the excellent support he receives here, his "Shape-Shifter" is a top-flight set of contemporary hard bop.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a promo video for this album.