December 12–19, 1996

critic pick

Stanley Turrentine

Stanley Turrentine's contribution to jazz is remarkable — in his over-30-year musical career, the tenor saxophonist has worked with everyone from Max Roach to Tito Puente to George Benson. Turrentine's influence reaches every corner of the music world. In addition to bebop and the blues, he has recorded in other genres: R?, gospel, pop, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion — the list goes on. His style is so consistent and unique that many younger tenor players emulate the Turrentine sound without even realizing it. Turrentine's most recent release, T-Time (MusicMasters/BMG, 1995), featured this sound in a number of styles, including his alleged theme song — Marvin Gaye's "Don't Mess With Mr. T." Turrentine's current work reveals a mature melodic sensibility, without losing any of that bluesy swing. The tenor legend still sounds terrific — he's got improvisation down to a "T."

Thu., Dec. 12, 8 & 10 p.m; Fri., Dec. 13 & Sat., Dec. 14, 9 & 11 p.m., Zanzibar Blue, Broad & Walnut Sts. 732-4500.

— Nate Chinen