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Merle Knudson – Tenor Eleven   
2006

The Band:   Merle Knudson – tenor sax; Rick Carlson – piano; Mark Asche – piano; Steve Blons – guitar; Bruce “Pooch” Heine; Joe Pulice - drums

“Years ago I was on a big band gig with Merle Knudson.  I had played with Merle a few times but didn’t know him well.  On one tune, Merle stood up to take a solo.  About halfway through the chorus, Tommy Nygaard, a fiery lead trumpeter who had play on the Woody Herman band leaned over to me and said, ‘Now listen to this guy.  His sound, his time.  That’s the way tenor sax Is meant to be played.’”   --- Dave Graf, liner notes.

This is a really nice exploration of what good jazz is all about.   With an all-star lineup, Merle Knudson has created a gem of a CD for jazz enthusiasts.  With varying tempos, there is something for everyone.  Of course, my favorites are the ones that swing enough to make me want to dance.

Knudson supplies some nice, easygoing songs suitable for just that purpose.  Autumn Leaves is a nice, laid back swingin’ tune with a very comfortable tempo (134 bpm), which is good because as with most jazz albums, the song gets a little lengthy for your average dancer at 6:13.  But it is nice and danceable, just make sure you grab your favorite partner!  On the other extreme, Knudson offers Indiana at a cruising speed of 245 bpm and clocking in at 4:41.  However, it swings hard and makes you want to move!  Other notable songs include September in the Rain and Sweet Georgia Brown.

The musicianship is second to none on this CD.  It is a prime example of exceptional jazz.  This may not be the perfect CD for the dancer in you but it will definitely be a perfect fit in your jazz collection.

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy….. BUY!  Here’s how:  That’s the hard part!  You’ll need to find Merle at a gig!  He plays with the Wolverines Classic Jazz Orchestra and the Cedar Avenue Big Band, among other local big bands.