On this “energizing and beautiful” performance, Newsome plays a program of Monk and Ellington pieces (Sophisticated Lady, Misterioso, Ask Me Now, and In a Sentimental Mood), intertwined with multi-phonics, slap tonguing and circular breathing—many of the things that have become staples of Newsome’s sonic vocabulary. “Even though I've composed several pieces for solo saxophone through the years,” says Newsome, “applying my concept to standards is still one of my favorite things to do. I feel like I'm able to forge ahead while still paying tribute to music and players from the past.”
This is Newsome’s fourth solo saxophone recording since his 2007 release, Monk Abstractions, chosen by All About Jazz –New York as one best tribute recordings of the year. According to Newsome, this recording began as a video that I was going to be posted on Youtube. “When Mark Engebretson, the founder of the festival, sent me the video, I found myself just listening to the audio, since the lighting in the video wasn’t very good. That’s when I got the idea to get the audio mastered and release it as a digital download. And selling this recording as a $0.99 digital download is a great way to make it accessible to the public, not to mention, economical for me as the artist.”Please look out for The Art of the Soprano, Vol. II: The Straight Horn of Africa, scheduled for release September 1, 2014
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