Danny Walsh: D’s Mood

Danny Walsh plays alto and tenor sax and has been on the scene for over a decade. This is his first album as a leader for SteepleChase.

Walsh plays with an energetic, virile attack, and he negotiates this album with a contemporary edge on the hard bop lineage. He can be wistful on a sensitive reading of “Daydream” on alto, or an original piece penned for his mother, but mostly he burns with an assured, swaggering attack. He turns “Danny Boy” into a jaunty, swinging vehicle and also works out more traditional jazz standards.

Walsh has sympathetic accompaniment on the date, with Joey Calderazzo leading a tight rhythm section, and the hopping guitar of Dave Stryker.

The album is a straightforward introduction for the talents of the leader, a positive showcase for an emerging talent.

Originally Published October 1, 1998