GEORGE GARZONE

THEMES FOR GOOD FRIENDS

Jojo Records

George Garzone, tenor saxophone; Randy Brecker, trumpet; Luis Perdomo, piano; Santi Debriano, bass; Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums.

Tenor saxophonist, George Garzone has been offering his amazing and sensitive talent to the world for over half a century.  He is celebrated as a fearless improviser, an influential educator, a composer and a woodwind player who is emotionally connected to his instrument.

His new album begins with a breathtakingly beautiful ballad composed by Fred Lacey called “Theme for Ernie.”  It is performed as a duet, featuring the emotion-packed tenor saxophone talent of Garzone, who is accompanied by the sensuous brilliance of Luis Perdomo on piano.

This album titled “Themes for Good Friends” was recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio. It is inclusive of two original compositions by Garzone.  One is titled “The Mingus That I Knew” and the other is a tribute to Randy Brecker’s brother “To Michael Brecker.”  Jeff “Tain” Watts opens this arrangement solo, rolling over the drums and cymbals like a Mack truck. Then the tune settles down to a slow tempo, with Brecker’s trumpet and Garzone’s saxophone each telling their own story simultaneously, sometimes in unison and other times with counterpoint melodic conversation.

Joined by an all-star band, each song delivered is full of spice and spunk, like the tune bassist Santi Debriano contributed called “Ripty Boom.”  It’s a Straight-ahead piece that shines and swings its way into my listening room.  Garzone sets the melodic tone on his tenor sax and then Randy Brecker takes his own emotionally infused solo on trumpet. Together, this group of seasoned jazz veterans exemplify why jazz is such a universally respected artform. Jeff “Tain” Watts is the glue that holds them tightly in place. His drums are strong and steady. When Debriano takes his brilliant solo on the double bass, he leaves a space for Watts to offer his own percussive moment in the spotlight. The bassline in this tune sets the tone and groove throughout, starting from the very first few bars.

Pianist, Luis Perdomo has contributed his original composition, “Just Ring the Bell,” a slow swing number that swaggers across space like a well-dressed Harlem businessman with a pocket full of dreams.

2026 celebrates the fiftieth year of George Garzone inspiring young musicians at the Berklee College of Music as a faculty member. This album captures Garzone’s magnificent talent and dedication. He is a jazz master. His ever-evolving creativity and curiosity continues to grow and enthuse the world around him and beyond.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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