DAN FAULK
The Dan Faulk Songbook, Vol. 1
(Ugli Fruit Productions)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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The Dan Faulk Songbook, Vol. 1 is Faulk's third recording under his own name, but the first devoted exclusively to his own original compositions. Faulk appears well schooled in the bop, hard bop idioms of jazz, having played with such greats as J. J. Johnson, Barry Harris, Jimmy Heath, Wayne Shorter, James Spaulding, and Steve Turre. On his new cd, he plays tenor and soprano saxophones and is joined by Carlton Holmes on piano, Ugonna Okegwo on bass, and Will Terrill on drums.

There's no doubt that Faulk has near total command of his instruments. His solos are absorbing and eloquent, he plays with a great deal of passion, plus he has much to say. Faulk's original material, for the most part, is well crafted, inventive and exciting. At rare times, I found my attention wandering, but believe that's simply a function of Faulk developing his own strong compositional voice as he matures. Songs that I especially enjoyed include "Look For The Sun," "Violets For Tuesday," "You (Thirty Years Ago)," and "Crawfish."

For listeners seeking a jazz cd full of original recording that run the gamut from bop to blues, from bossa nova to rap, then I recommend Dan Faulk Songbook, Vol. 1. This music rewards repeated listening. I for one will be waiting for Faulk's next offering. Wonderful things lie ahead for this artist.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich