Greg Ward’s Fitted Shards
South Side Story
www.gregward.org
By George W. Harris

Chicago-based alto saxist Greg Ward puts out an ambitious and sophisticated release that delivers heart-on-sleeve performances of original material. Together with Rob Clearfield/key-p-synth, Jeff Greene/b and Quin Kirchner/dr-perd, Ward delivers material that is thick and rich with a panoply of emotions (“Seque” “All In”) to intricate and delicate interplay in “Like Mozart”. His alto is thick, almost Benny Carter like in its lower town. Clearfield’s piano and keyboard work display a deft touch on “Fitted Shards” and the title track, while the rhythm team show an alarming dexterity and flexibility. Straight-ahead, with a few hairpin curves to keep you on your toes.