Alto saxophonist Greg Osby is gearing up for a busy new year-and that doesn’t even include all the handyman projects around his house in the woods. (See JazzTimes‘ cover story on him in the June 2003 issue to see what I mean.)
Here’s a rundown of some of Oz’s 2004 projects:
The saxophonist’s St. Louis Shoes group came together to record its titular 2003 CD (Blue Note), which featured reconfigured cover tunes that map Osby’s career from his beginning in Missouri to his status as one of modern jazz’s most intriguing musicians. Osby will debut the St. Louis Shoes ensemble at the Jazz Standard in New York City on January 20 and 21. Look for trumpeter Nicholas Payton, pianist Harold O’Neal, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Rodney Green-as well as some very special guests.
Last November, Osby flew to Atlanta to take part in the new album by the fusion collective Project Z. That band’s guitarist Jimmy Herring and drummer Jeff Sipe will be mixing the record this month for release later this year. (The group also includes keyboardist Jason Crosby). The CD will be Project Z’s last to feature bassist/producer Ricky Keller, who died of a heart attack last June.
Last year toured with his other bands: Greg Osby 4, the New Sound Collective (featuring drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Jimmy Haslip and guitarist Steve Khan) a trio with Bobby Previte on electronic drums, Charlie Hunter on 8-string guitar. Perhaps once Osby wears out his St. Louis Shoes, those groups will hit the studio as well.
You can keep up with all of Osby’s activities at www.gregosby.com.
Originally Published