Plaza de Toros review- Jazzmatazz

7 June 2005
Jazzmatazz Newsletter
#229

Capsule Reviews
10 May 2005 Releases

James Finn Trio - Plaza de Toros (Clean Feed 034) May 12

The talented tenor saxopohone player James Finn recorded his first album as a leader in 2003 after years spent travelling, performing R&B, blues, jazz and classical music, studying meditation, working for a prison substance abuse program and teaching high school and college orchestras and private piano students.

He recorded (and produced and engineered) his third recording, Plaza de Toros, in his own NY studio. Ostensibly the story of a bullfight, the playing is pretty free, but with some melodic themes. Finn's tenor sax playing has a fascinating flow, employing elements of Coltrane's harmonic sense, Sonny Rollins's use of rhythm, and Ayler's emotional intensity. Bassist Dominic Duval's playing is engaging, whether he's plucking or bowing the bass and drummer Warren Smith gives continuous percussive commentary. This is an excellent recording and I'm looking forward to his next release. — ALAN LANKIN

Track Listing: 1. Toreo de Capa 4:30 / 2. Plaza de Toros 6:31 / 3. The Phantom Bull of Seville 8:32 / 4. El Tercio de Varas 9:20 / 5. Eyes of Angelina 3:52 / 6. El Tercio de Vanderillas 7:55 / 7. El Tercio de Muleta 7:12 / 8. La Estocada 8:11 / 9. Toro Bravo 7:56

Personnel: James Finn (tenor saxophone), Dominic Duval (double bass), Warren Smith (drums)

last update 7 June 2005