Ernie Krivda and Dan Wall: Golden Moments

Interestingly this duet recording opens with Krivda’s title track seemingly in the midst of a Dan Wall solo. Did we miss something? Despite that there is much to recommend here, not the least of which is Krivda’s thoroughly unique tenor saxophone sound. Forged through years of challenge, including untold atmospheric permutations, from the cutting edge approach he burned through with guitarist Bill DeArango decades ago, to what now appears to be a series of duets, starting with his couplings with pianist Bill Dobbins. Nearly every metropolis has an unsung tenor sax hero who chooses to stay home; in Cleveland that’s Ernie Krivda.

Here Krivda is joined by pianist Dan Wall, an Atlanta transplant who has significantly swelled the ranks of jazz in Cleveland since landing several years ago. Krivda and Wall have achieved a warm simpatico borne out by a good sense of communication and a joy in each other’s company, which is arguably best exemplified by a lovely rendition of Berlin’s “The Best Thing For You.” Captured live at two separate Northeast Ohio concerts, Krivda/Wall wind their way more than capably through five standards and two of Ernie’s originals. How ’bout some of Krivda’s big band next time?

Originally Published October 1, 1997