Full Moon Hacksaw
November 5, 2020
The question of this programs age: Are there any turbo tempos today? As we get thru this incredible collection of recordings, marvel at the smoking of Tal Farlow’s guitar, its harmonics alone make another solo. And for John Coltrane on the threshold of his climactic career, listen to his understated soprano sax over a mesmerizing rhythm with guest Eric Dolphy on flute. Harold Lopez-Nussa plays electric piano, and the Claire Daly Band counts out a baritone sax number with Sly Stone overtones in memory of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. To keep the tempo turbo, Steve Hobbs plays Charlie Parker on vibes and new saxophonist Matt DeMerritt takes a Fools Journey right off the ledge. In act two the intensity tightens more with Zen Zadravec hosting a few of todays hotter players and Juan DeMarco’s Afro Cuban All Stars continue their upward trajectory. For our blues we visit Magic Slim and the Teardrops as well as Percy Mayfield. To bring one section to a close, John Beasleys MONKestra plays the leaders original music. Then all of a sudden we are in a mellow mood this day first with Diana Krall’s new release followed by Sarah Vaughan, then Duke Ellington brings back John Coltrane for a definitive reading of one of the former’s most beautiful melodies. Trumpeter Derrick Gardner pays homage to Count Basie and the desert southwest’s Dennis Rowland croons us out with more Ellington. Not only is our music the lens thru which we view the world, but the filter thru which we strain the BS — Hacksaw Jazz.