Matt Otto has recorded on well over fifty albums, each one a snapshot of his continuing and deepening relationship with improvised music for the past three decades. It is a remarkable span chronicling his inexorable metamorphosis from young, free-jazz firebrand to poet, sage, and mentor. He has earnestly and methodically followed an unwavering path to discovering his own musical ideals and artistic identity. It is only at this stage of Otto’s career, has he found the right time to make an album of jazz standards.
Not that playing tunes is anything new to Otto; in fact, it’s probably the thing he loves to do the most. He would not be alone in that sentiment. The Great American Songbook owes a debt of gratitude for its perpetuation into the 21st century to the multitudes of jazz musicians who throughout history have continued to learn and perform those works that have outlived their creators, rendering both compositions and authors immortal for the foreseeable future. “I would hope that the composers would enjoy our renditions or at the very least give us a nod,” says Otto.
The saxophonist/composer is set to release his new recording”Kansas City Trio next month, featuring Bob Bowman -Bass Jeff Harshbarger – Bass Ben Leifer – Bass Brian Steever – Drums John Kizilarmut – Drums and Marty Morrison – Drums on selected tracks
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Images provided by Chris DiGirolamo
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