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Put your hands on the remote! browse music »An American Garden by Dave Tofani
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fave it Smooth Jazz | Traditional Jazz Combo
7 tracks | 38 minutes
Released May 2002
on SoloWinds, Inc.
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- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:39 An American Garden lyrics BUY MP3 05:39 An American Garden lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:39 An American Garden
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 03:24 New York at Night lyrics BUY MP3 03:24 New York at Night lyrics "GIFT MP3" 03:24 New York at Night
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 04:31 Quintetto di Flauti lyrics BUY MP3 04:31 Quintetto di Flauti lyrics "GIFT MP3" 04:31 Quintetto di Flauti
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 09:16 High Mowing Orchestral Suite lyrics BUY MP3 09:16 High Mowing Orchestral Suite lyrics "GIFT MP3" 09:16 High Mowing Orchestral Suite
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 04:05 Elizabeth's Journey lyrics BUY MP3 04:05 Elizabeth's Journey lyrics "GIFT MP3" 04:05 Elizabeth's Journey
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:41 Rough Ride lyrics BUY MP3 05:41 Rough Ride lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:41 Rough Ride
- sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 06:17 Liberte lyrics BUY MP3 06:17 Liberte lyrics "GIFT MP3" 06:17 Liberte
This superb recording is made up of great saxophone and woodwind playing with passion and soul. The unique extended jazz compositions have rich melodies, lush harmonies, exuberant rhythms and impeccable New York studio cats ensemble playing.
Editorial review
With classic definitions of jazz being challenged daily by borrowings from other musical genres, those disposed to enjoy big bands or jazz orchestras will welcome An American Garden by David Tofani. His previous CD, the Grammy-nominated Manhattan Carnival, introduced many of Tofani's original compositions to an unknowing public, and this set further showcases his depth as a composer and soloist. Although usually associated with and known primarily for great session work, motion picture soundtracks, and consistent performances, the award-winning saxophonist plays seven deeply compelling original jazz compositions accompanied by some of New York City's finest musicians. Inspired by his father's penchant for gardening, the opening track is a big band composition that features Tofani's lush arrangements and a lively solo delivered with melodiousness and spontaneous inventions. His propensity for crafting well-arranged tunes, not to mention the great string orchestration by Torrie Zito, adds up to an agreeable listen on "New York at Night." Dave Tofani blows his heart out on this moody ballad that has the potential to become a great jazz standard. This is saxophone mastery radiating at its best. He seamlessly segues between differing rhythmic feels and features plenty of interplay. In contrast, instrumentals such as "Quintetto di Flauti" charts Tofani on a quintet of flutes: two C flutes with piccolo, two alto flutes, and bass flute, with rhythm section. This is an amazing showcase of a deep-toned alto flute solo, then a solo for bass flute in unison with acoustic bass. The playing is exquisite. However, the high points on the CD are Tofani's tribute to his late wife -- "High Mowing Orchestral Suite" -- an expanded composition for soprano saxophone solo and string orchestra with rhythm section; and "Liberte," a composition for ten woodwind instruments on which Tofani performs all ten woodwind parts on saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. This is a great CD and one any real enthusiast of big bands or jazz orchestras should have in their collection. ~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide
Bio / Background
About the artist:
Dave Tofani's mastery of the saxophone and woodwinds makes him one of the most sought-after concert and recording artists in New York City. His talents as a performer, composer and arranger all converge on this CD release "An American Garden," which represents a culmination of a distinguished professional career that spans 30 years. An alumnus of the Juilliard School, Dave has appeared with and performed featured solo work on recordings with many of the world's most distinguished and distinctive musical artists including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, The New York Philharmonic, John Lennon, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, James Galway, Leonard Bernstein, George Benson, Paul Simon, pianist Bill Evans, David Sanborn and more.
His work may be heard on over 500 jazz, classical and pop albums and over 100 major film soundtracks.
↓ more ↓He has frequently been honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with Most Valuable Player Awards for his work on soprano and tenor saxophones, and his versatility has won him academy nominations in five categories, flute, clarinet, soprano, alto and tenor saxophones - something no other woodwind player has achieved. Tofani's playing can be heard on two of 2001's Grammy Award-winning CDs, Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature" and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's "Stravinsky Miniatures/Shadow Dances." His previous album, the Grammy Award nominated "Manhattan Carnival," also a collection of his own compositions, received enthusiastic popular and critical acclaim and climbed to number 7 on the Radio and Record charts. "An American Garden" further showcases Tofani's depth as a composer as well as a gifted soloist.
About the album:
An American Garden is a collection of original extended jazz compositions utilizing a variety of forms. The ensembles vary in size from a jazz quintet, to a string orchestra, to a big band, totaling 41 of New York City's finest musicians.
Dedicated to the members of "the greatest generation," the album is an American story in music. "New York at Night," "Liberte," and the title track "An American Garden" reflect the indomitable spirit and vitality of New York City and America. In his compositions and performances, Tofani draws upon both his jazz roots and his classical background. The range of Tofani's musical talents are especially evident on "Liberte," a tune on which he plays all ten woodwind parts. In short, this superb recording is made up of great saxophone and woodwind playing with beauty and soul. The unique extended jazz compositions have fiery rhythms, rich melodic lines, lush harmonies and impeccable New York studio cats ensemble playing.
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