The World of Doug White

Album Review

The "World" that the title to this CD refers to is a series of recordings where the composer/tenor saxophonist's material has appeared either on his own albums or on those of others for the Juniper label. This album compiles some of that material. But like most White efforts, the play list is controlled by his compositions, which is fine, for he is a creative, imaginative composer whose material never falls into a rut. It also provides room for improvisational excursions by his playing mates, as well as himself. And like previous efforts, there is at least one standard, here "Deep in a Dream," as well as a nod to the classical world with White's "Passepied," based on Claude Debussy's "Suite Bergmasque." There is also a cut by a top jazz artist, this time John Hardee. White's tenor continues to evoke that strong, deep baritone sax-like tone, although it gets somewhat gutsy on "Before Dawn." But his trademark is that flowing, lyrical sound he gets from the big horn. Believing that "if it isn't broke, don't fix it," White once more has brought excellent guitarist Chris Bergson into the studio. His guitar takes on a sound resembling the vibes on such cuts as the boppish "Esplanade `99." His presence throughout the session guarantees that the session will be enriched considerably. The same can be said with the controlled but emphatic rhythm authority of Neal Miner on bass and Joe Strasser on drums. Of the many fine tracks on this album, none reveals the unique phraseology of White's technique more than the freewheeling "Miranda" as he creates new ideas with each succeeding chorus over a comping Bergson guitar. This compilation of White's music is highly recommended.