Limited gatefold edition of 180-gram virgin vinyl
This early quintet outing is a strong showcase for Mark Turner the composer. It's also an important chapter in the special relationship between Turner and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. The two would later work mainly in piano-less settings, but here they are joined by pianist Brad Mehldau, who adds his advanced harmonic insight to the session.
One could rightly bill the record as "Turner and Rosenwinkel with the Brad Mehldau Trio," as the rhythm section consists of bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy, Mehldau's longtime collaborators. The disc boasts five strong Turner originals, including "Zurich," which would resurface on 2001's Dharma Days. (This version features guest tenorists Seamus Blake and Terrence Dean.)
Yam Yam reveals much about the evolution of all these players, and is therefore well worth the attention of serious fans.
“The history of jazz is littered with tragically foreshortened careers, and we make very much of them, possibly revelling a little too ghoulishly in early death, bad personal habits and sheer-bad-luck accidents. Much less is made of the near-misses. In 2008, saxophonist Mark Turner came close to severing two fingers while cutting firewood at home. Wind players more often fear oral or dental injuries, but Turner’s mishap threatened the end of his playing career. It may seem strange to say that few men would have adapted better to such an eventuality.” - Brian Morton
Tracklist:
Side 1
A1. TUNE NUMBER ONE
A2. CUBISM
Side 2
B1. YAM YAM I
B2. MOMENT’S NOTICE
Side 3
C1. ISOLATION
C2. SUBTLE TRAGEDY
Side 4
D1. ZÜRICH
D2. BLUES
D3. YAM YAM II
PERSONNEL:
Mark Turner (tenor sax), Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar), Brad Mehldau (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass), Jorge Rossy (drums), Seamus Blake (tenor sax on D1 only), Terence Dean (tenor sax D1 only)
Recorded December 12, 1994 in New York City
Credits:
Produced by Gerry Teekens. Executive Producer: K. Hasselpflug.
Recorded at RPM Studio, New York City, December 12, 1994.
Recording Engineer: Max Bolleman. Photography: Ron Schwerin & Gerry Teekens. Cover Design: Gerry Teekens.
Mastering for vinyl and lacquer cutting by Bernie Grundman.
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