sewelsonics

TWO SISTERS, INC (Dave Sewelson/Claire Daly/ Dave Hofstra) –
Scaribari: Two Baris, One Mind…And A Bass (Baritunes 0717; USA)

  Dave Sewelson is one of the oldest members of the early downtown scene, having worked with Wayne Horvitz in the late 70’s/early 80’s with a fine record out on Wayne’s old label, Theatre for Your Mother. Sewelson has continued to work with William Parker, Freedomland and The Daves with bassist Dave Hofstra. Mr. Hofstra is also an original member of the downtown scene having played with Elliott Sharp on different blues and rock bands, Freedomland, for William Gagliardi and Joel Forrester and loads of others. Claire Daly has also played bari sax for Jorel Forrester. Hence, this is anodd line-up of two bari saxes and bass.

  Sewelson wrote 3 of the 8 songs with a handful of standards chosen.
“Late Late” does have that bluesy, late-night sort of vibe with a smoky bari solo from both bari’s. “Scaribari” has a great, growl-toned double sax groove/sound with a most expressive double-bass solo and haunting bari saxes swirling slowly together. “Zsa Zsa” gives both bari’s a chance to swing together nicely but at a more medium tempo, not them lightning flash bebop changes pace. “Razzbari” is done with some great finger-snapping charm and it has a melody that is hard to forget. “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” is sung by all three of these players and is a complete hoot. There is something immensely charming about the way both bari saxes play their exquisite harmonies together, in all of their warm-toned splendor. Perfect music for smooching or at least some slow dancing with the partner of your choice.

reviewed by Bruce Lee Gallanter at DMG