August 2008

Russ Nolan
With You in Mind
Rhinoceruss

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

Joining forces with the Kenny Werner Trio for his second CD as a leader, saxophonist Russ Nolan finds the ideal musicians to render his quicksilver compositions; also proving he can take a top band and make it his own. Nolan’s clear, soulful tenor and analytical soprano deftly navigate the set’s subtle twists and turns, meshing easily with Werner’s luxurious piano reveries. The pair seem to glide together over bassist Johannes Weidenmueller’s hip foundations, urged on by drummer Ari Hoenig’s rapid-fire strut.