I can’t think of another alto saxophonist with a sound quite like Sam Braysher’s. Critics have compared him to Paul Desmond and other light-toned players, but they all have at least a touch of vibrato, whereas from Braysher there’s never a flicker. The notes come out smooth, candid and distinctive. He has a passion for researching out-of-the-way songs and show tunes, rebuilding them in a new guise. His first album, Golden Earrings, with the US pianist Michael Kanan, was one of the surprise successes of 2017. This time, it’s a trio with fellow Brit Tom Farmer on bass and the renowned Spanish percussionist Jorge Rossy.
With no instrument to play chords and fill out the harmonies, it’s amazing how complete and varied these 11 tracks are. Without the fairly straight opening chorus, you’d never guess where some of the pieces came from, so clever is their ensuing makeover. I’m thinking particularly of the Gershwins’ Shall We Dance and Jobim’s One Note Samba, both taken at a sprightly lick, with brilliant, serpentine Braysher solos. But the really special thing about this set is the interaction of all three – always alert, never quite what’s expected.
