Grove's Groove, the second album featuring Dease exclusively playing the baritone saxophone.

The legendary trumpeter Roy Hargrove is usually - and justly - depicted as a generation-defining voice and a radiant, troubled genius. What gets lost in that characterization is Hargrove's equally vital role as a mentor for younger musicians who shared his deeply felt commitment to exploring the full spectrum of jazz and in carrying the blazing torch of tradition determinedly forward.

Among those whose life and career were touched by Hargrove's influence is the multi-instrumentalist and composer Michael Dease. With his enthralling new album Grove's Groove - the second on which the acclaimed trombonist focuses solely on the baritone saxophone - pays tribute, says thanks, and bids farewell to one of modern jazz's most iconic figures.

'After Roy passed, I found myself thinking a lot about him and about the enduring impact he made on me,' Dease says. 'Roy gave me advice about how to stay away from uninspired playing and how to be authentic. I'm still learning from his life lessons, and I try to impart some of them upon my daughters.'

Via Le Coq Records, Grove's Groove convenes a band full of Hargrove alumni, friends and devotees. Dease, trombonist Steve Davis, trumpeter Terell Stafford, bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. played with Hargrove or were close to him. Only pianist Bill Cunliffe and guitarist/vocalist Jocelyn Gould lack a direct connection, though as a former student of Dease's at Michigan State University Gould represents the next generation in the chain of tutelage passed on from the trumpeter.

The fact that Dease leaves his trombone in the case once again is just one aspect of his continually evolving career to which Hargrove can claim a degree of credit. Dease is a lifelong saxophonist, having started on alto during middle school before the discovery of Curtis Fuller on John Coltrane's Blue Train redirected his passions.

Media

Track Listing

• Grove's Groov
• Tea For Two
• Seiko Time
• Minor Funk
• Never Let Me Go
• The Viper
• Decisions
• Father Figure
• Broadway

Additional Details

Label: Le Coq Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 61:21 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/23/24

UPC: 760137160601