Jazz For The Ages:
The term Renaissance Man is used traditionally to describe a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. After listening to Jimmy Mulidore’s recent CD release, Jazz For The Ages, it is clear that Jimmy fits that definition.
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James Moody and Jimmy
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Jazz For The Ages is a generous compilation of time honored compositions and originals that span a wide interpretive range of the jazz music genre. Four of the fifteen tunes listed are by legendary saxophonist, John Coltrane. The rest are compositions penned by Jimmy with a sprinkling of standard repertoire to round out the listening experience.
What makes the term Renaissance Man come to mind is the prolific technique and command that Jimmy displays on all his instruments. Saxophonists have long been grappling with Coltrane’s Giant Steps changes on the tenor saxophone. Jimmy dances his way through nicely for sure. The game changer is that he accomplishes this on the clarinet. Speaking of the tenor, Jimmy possesses a sound that is at the same time rich, warm, and vibrant. Most doublers find the transition from B flat tenor to E flat alto challenging. Jimmy’s alto sound is reminiscent of legendary alto saxophone icon, Phil Woods. His intonation is flawless and his improvisational ideas consistent with the time honored approach to the alto established by the greats. Jimmy’s bass clarinet, featured on Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, would make the late Eric Dolphy proud and smiling. Eric had a passion for the instrument that no one it seems has carried over to this day save Jimmy, who approaches the instrument with equal sincerity and dedication.
I particularly enjoyed Jimmy’s flute playing, featured on Muldoon’s Mood, Nigalian and the beautiful ballad, A Time For Love. Jimmy picks up the soprano for Interstate 15 and Rowena.
Never content to rely on familiar constructs, Jimmy Mulidore looks every day to explore new musical realms. He mentored with the finest, including the aforementioned Phil Woods and the late jazz legend, James Moody.
There is a saying in the old west: “He died with his boots on.” As I write these notes, one thing for me is certain. Jimmy Mulidore’s quest to his dying day will be to ever expand the jazz vocabulary and continue to keep the jazz torch burning brightly. May he live long and continue to explore.
Dear Jimmy:
A quick note to thank you for sending me your CD. I finally sat down and listened to all of it a minute ago. I am impressed by your command on all your horns particularly the clarinet! I don't much care for jazz clarinet unless Buddy DeFranco or Eddie Daniels are playing it but I must admit recording Giant Steps on it got my attention. I enjoyed all of the CD with, for some reason, A Love Supreme being my favorite. I greatly enjoyed your bass clarinet licks behind Randy Brecker. Moody would be proud of you.
I think what strikes me the most............is your continued interest in music and jazz music. It's really inspiring to me. I still have the drive to practice as well, learning tunes, licks, etc. I hope it will always be that way. You are certainly inspiring for me to continue.
Hope all is well with you.
Again, thanks for sending your music.
My best,
Hughie
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