Jim Saltzman - "Hidden Intentions " - The new CD!

The new CD will be released on April 17, 2007 on Jazz Excursion Records! Keep an eye out, and an open ear for the upcoming CD release party and future performances. While you're at it, check out my "labelmates" - The Nathan Eklund Group, Dave Noland, and Shirantha Beddage - all great musicians with equally great CD's!
The new CD, "Hidden Intentions" features all new compositions (10 of them!), along with my favorite musicians that I've been playing with over the past few years.
Featuring:
Jim Saltzman - Tenor/Soprano Saxophones, Bansuri, Native American Wooden Flutes
Pat Firth - Piano/Fender Rhodes
Jay Foote - Bass
Quinn Blandford - Drums

Aggregate

(ag·gre·gate)
1: a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another
2: the whole sum or amount: SUM TOTAL
3 a: an aggregate rock b: any of several hard inert materials (as sand, gravel, or slag) used for mixing with a cementing material to form concrete, mortar, or plaster c: a clustered mass of individual soil particles varied inshape, ranging in size from a microscopic granule to a small crumb, and considered the basic structural unit of soil…and that's from Merriam Webster…

Aggregate is a collaborative group of musicians that have come together to create one common goal – groove oriented, funky, loose music with a slightly “downtown” vibe – basically a barrage of sounds and good times.

Aggregate is:
Jim Saltzman – Tenor/Soprano Saxophones
Pat Firth – Fender Rhodes
Eric Wills – Acoustic/Electric Bass
Quinn Blandford – Drums

Piano + Saxophone = A Duet

I guess this one started back on Broad St in Philly…Steve Myerson and I have been playing duo together since our early college days at UArts. Upon the first few notes, a musical connection was born, and continues ever since. Steve is a first-rate pianist who has played and toured with the Philly Soul greats, The Stylistics, as well as J.D. Walter, John Swana, Jon Gordon, and many others – yeah; I guess that you could say he’s pretty good! Steve and I have plans to record in July ’04.

The Trio

OK, so I’m a saxophonist, and the “saxophone trio” has become a significant part of my listening habits – Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, Sam Rivers, Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Joe Lovano – the saxophone-bass-drums combination is one of my favorite sounds.

The trio that I play with the most includes Eric Wills and Quinn Blandford (on bass and drums, respectfully). We started playing together about three years ago as a trio, and that core group of musicians eventually expanded into the other projects that I’ve been exploring. One day, I hope to record a record with this trio, by itself.

The Quartet

In July 2002, I went to Tedesco Studios and recorded my first CD, Along The Way, which highlighted my original compositions. The music can be described as earthy, mellow (well, at times), intense, and forward thinking. Many of the compositions were influenced by the solo piano music of Ravel and Scriabin. In addition to my own compositions, we also recorded some “standards” from composers Ornette Coleman, Irving Berlin, Vernon Duke, and Alec Wilder. Featured on Along The Way are pianists Steve Myerson and Ethan Herr, plus Eric Wills and Quinn Blandford (again, bass and drums).

Jim, the “author”

Lately, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a contributing author for Down Beat magazine. My first article, “Chris Potter’s Tenor Sax Solo on ‘This Will Be,’” was in the August ’02 issue. Since then, I have written two more articles, one on Warne Marsh, the other on Seamus Blake, which are pending publication. My master’s thesis, “Stylistic Aspects in the Improvisations of Tenor Saxophonist Warne Marsh” is currently seeking publication.

Equipment – For the Saxophone Geeks

Look, I'm a saxophonist, and I know that we tend to ask silly questions like, "What mouthpiece are you using?"...so, here it goes:

Tenor: Selmer Super Balanced Action, Otto Link "Slant Sig" (.112 tip opening, - worked on by Brian Powell) hard rubber mouthpiece, Alexander Superial "NY" #3 1/2 reeds, Francois Louis "Ultimate Ligature".

Soprano: Selmer Mark VI, "Slant Sig" Otto Link #8 (.070 tip opening - worked on by Brian Powell) hard rubber mouthpiece, Alexander Superial "D.C." #3 1/2 reeds, Francois Louis "Ultimate Ligature".
All saxophone repairs/maintenance is done by Joe Sax or Roberto Romeo.