Joe Lovano US Five

Cleveland native saxophonist Joe Lovano, “one of the most creative saxophonists going,” (Boston Globe) combines eclectic taste in conceptual projects with his own distinctive sound. After formative stints in the Woody Herman and Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestras and in small groups led by Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Chet Baker and others, Lovano gained attention as a member of guitarist John Scofield's quartet in the early 1990s. He emerged as a band leader when he began a 20-year association with Blue Note Records. His current recording, "Bird Songs," -- Lovano's 22nd for the label -- has become one of the most celebrated recent jazz recordings because it breaks the mold for Bird tribute records (Birdland's namesake Charlie "Bird" Parker). It's a thrillingly adventurous, thoroughly modern, and uniquely personal look at one of the most influential figures in jazz history by one of the most important voices in the music today. And Lovano's dynamic young band, Us Five, is the perfect vehicle for this exploration. The BBC calls it, "Charlie Parker's music rethought and interpreted in fresh ways," while the Los Angeles Times says, "leave it to restless tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano to take the idea of a tribute record and turn it on its head… Lovano and his band expertly show the many ways these classics can still throw sparks."