Dr. Bruce Eskovitz
One For Newk II
Pacific Coast Jazz
By George W. Harris

Earlier this year, saxist/composer/bandleader Bruce Eskovitz put out an
excellent big band release, "Invitation." Now, he has to compete with
his past, as the same label Pacific Coast Jazz has reissued, re-edited
and remastered his 1995 tribute to Sonny Rollins, and it's a real
beaut. Except for two of the songs which Rollins made famous ("Count
Your Blessings" and "Poor Butterfly") the songs are Rollins'
compositions. With a rough and gruff tone similar to Rollins or Pete
Christlieb, Eskovitz is smart on this disc not to imitate, but instead
to capture the groove that Rollins is still celebrated for. The
supporting band includes vibist Charlie Shoemake, which keep things
from getting to imitative of Rollins music, since that was an
instrument rarely associated with him. The rest of the band, Bill Mays
(p), Ray Drummond (b) and Larance Marable (dr) is top notch, with Ernie
Watts joining in for the classic "duel" on "Tenor Madness" (or
"Sportin' Life", if you believe that Hank Mobley actually wrote it).
Eskovitz sounds confident, joyful and in his element as he powers
through "Airgin" and "Pent-Up House". Likewise, he is bel canto on the
Holiday Inn classic "Count Your Blessings" and "Valse Hot." Shoemake is
the perfect counterbalance, with his chiming notes buoyantly dancing,
particularly on "Paradox." The battle between Watts and Eskovitz on
"Madness" is a great 15 rounder. You will be listening to this one for
a long time!