May 2010

Tom Tallitsch
Perspective
OA2 Records

By Bill Milkowski

Philadelphia-based saxophonist-composer Tom Tallitsch enlists like-minded Philly comrades on his third outing as a leader. Tallitsch blends nicely with guitarist Victor Baker throughout, particularly on the delicate and contemplative opener “Swirl” (reminiscent of Wayne Shorter’s “Fall”) and the pensive ballad “Propellerhead.” They take things up a notch on the highly charged “Red Giant,” which features Baker stretching on a fluid, warm-toned solo, and turn in their most affecting performance on “Dark Before the Dawn.” Stellar pianist John Stenger is also prominently featured on the swinging closer, “In a Whirl.”