Marsh, Warne Quartet

Ne Plus Ultra

Label: Hatology Country: Switzerland

"It's hard to understand why Warne Marsh was so neglected during his lifetime. It's harder still to substantiate the charges with which his musc was branded - cerebral, cold, unemotional, uninvolving. This album alone, one of his best, should have been enough to put such absurd slurs to rest. The music on Ne Plus Ultra is intimate, warm, passionate, risky. There is much beauty to be shared."-Art Lange

"This was tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh's first recording as a leader since 1960. Teamed up with complementary altoist Gary Foster (who was most influenced by Marsh's former musical partner Lee Konitz), bassist Dave Parlato and drummer John Tirabasso, Marsh runs through some of his favorite chord changes, including "Lennie's Pennies," "Subconscious-Lee" and "You Stepped Out of a Dream." In addition, there is a fairly free group improvisation (the 15-minute "Touch and Go") and a brief rendition of Bach's "Two-Part Inventions #13." A strong all-around CD reissue that was originally released by the Revelation label."-Scott Yanow