Logan Richardson - Shift: a backing band that can take the saxophonist on the ride of his life

Kansas City-born saxophonist Logan Richardson has gone all out on his debut for Blue Note, recruiting what can best be described as band of ringers.

Fellow Missouri native Pat Metheny doesn’t make many sideman appearances these days, but he has clearly connected with something in the younger man’s bright, emotive playing – think Lee Konitz meets Jan Garbarek in a bar in Memphis.

The great guitarist’s name (and in-form playing) will certainly bring Richardson and Blue Note the attention they are hoping for.

Add pianist Jason Moran, drummer Nasheet Waits and bassist Harish Raghavan and you have a backing band that can take the saxophonist on the ride of his life.

The only problem for Richardson is that all the reviews will be about the side men.

[ bluenote.com ]