Alto Sax, Flute, Composer, Band Leader, Educator
“In Just Time” is a cooker that cleverly alludes to the standard “Just in Time”. Even better is “Turning Point”, a waltz that gives the guitarist the most room on the set to play more contemporary blues lines that sting and burn. In other words, there is not a weak track in this set. Five solid musicians with searching hearts simply don’t leave room on the record for cliches or vapid interludes.
The title Alto Manhattan is a deft pun. Steve Slagle plays alto and lives on that island where some Latinos call the hilly upper end where he resides Alto Manhattan. Way uptown in the heights, Afro-Caribbean music emanates from everywhere. You get an education just walking around.
Steve Slagle may be best known as the lead alto saxophonist in Carla Bley’s band. For several years, he has co-led a group with guitarist Dave Stryker, but on his new CD, “Alto Manhattan” (Panorama 6), he features an entirely new band with pianist Lawrence Fields, bassist Gerald Cannon, drummer Bill Stewart and conga player Roman Diaz.
Steve Slagle – ALTO MANHATTAN: I’ve actually reviewed a lot of Steve’s superb sax and flute work before, on several albums he did with Dave Stryker (just search for “The Stryker Slagle Band, and you’ll find them). This is the first time (I believe) that I’ve heard him as a leader – and he SMOKES! Six of the nine cookin’ tunes on the release are originals, so that makes it (of course) even better!
Steve Slagle 