Marc Rosen & Sweet Thunder Jazztet: Reviews

It's one thing to be derivative and deny it, it's another thing to want to channel the spirit of Gerry Mulligan and be proud of it and succeed as well. Rosen was bitten by the Mulligan bug at an early age, and while it's clear he's his own sax man, there's something about the Mulligan vibe that he has a feel for, even when working out on originals by him and his crew. Having the under current of being something familiar while being something new, this is a smoking set generations of jazzbos can meet easily over and find enjoyable common ground. Check this out if you want to come up with a new, tasty blowing date that won't let you down.

Midwestern Recap (Nov 22, 2006)

It's no secret, especially given the accompanying press kit and artist’s comments, that this album provides a contemporary spin on the sounds and style of the late, great baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. But Marc Rosen and other band members wrote original compositions for Monsoon, so this set is not a verbatim rehashing of the Mulligan songbook. The baritone saxophonist and his jazztet revitalize the ultra-cool, yet intricately devised harmonic attributes steeped within Mulligan’s storied legacy. The saxophonist’s sound and methodology here leans more towards the Chet Baker/Mulligan ‘50s sessions, but with a modern hue.

Rosen’s primary strengths are firmed up by his fluent baritone sax work and enhanced by an absolutely striking tone, where soft inflections and shadings loom as a vital component of his overall attack. Amid the bounce and chutzpah of his band, Rosen’s prime objective is realized using good-natured swing and a somewhat ballsy approach. He trades vibrant fours with trumpeter and flugelhornist Paul Beuning, but a good deal of the magic surfaces when the soloists partake in peppery, bop-based unison runs.

Rosen’s luscious tone radiates on the sanguine ballad “Dormindinha,”... the saxophonist triumphantly bridges the old with the new by personalizing and transforming his love for Mulligan’s aura into this clear-sighted and irrefutably charming production.

Glenn Astarita - All About Jazz (Nov 9, 2006)

Saxophonist Marc Rosen professes to be highly influenced by the play of legendary baritone great Gerry Mulligan and to this end he aptly borrows much of Mulligan’s melodic lines and harmonic style in recording Monsoon. The album provides eleven original compositions from Rosen, members of the band and arranger, David Wolpe, all played in a tasteful interpretation of the master’s flair. Pianist Dave Davidson, bassist Scott Baekeland, drummer Fred Johnson and Paul Beuning on the trumpet and flugelhorn team up for Rosen’s musical support.

While the liner notes, which are sparse, indicate that the project was recorded in a studio, the audio reveals a certain live performance quality as if the band were playing in a club setting. Rosen’s burly and raspy baritone sound is by far the prominent voice on this disc providing standout solos. The music is new and contemporary yet reminiscent of the Mulligan sound.

Notable tracks include the brisk opener “Mark VI,” the very jazzy “One-Eyed Jack,” the ballad-like “Dormindinha,” the quick and bouncy “Eurydice’s Theme” and the stylish melodic “Rolling Thunder.” When aficionados think of baritone saxophonists, the ones who come to mind are of course Mulligan, Gary Smulyan, Bill Ramsey and now Marc Rosen. A fine performance by Rosen and crew make Monsoon a respectable album.

Edward Blanco - EJAZZ News (Nov 8, 2006)

Nuff said!! This project is a virtual 'monsoon' of musical energy....Replete with all the ingredients of jazz: animated melodic lines, challenging harmonies, the abstract, the avant' garde, interspersed with some traditional mainstream jazz....Intensely melodic reed man Marc Rosen delivers a CD project loaded with rhythmic strength. His sound is emotional but not flamboyant. He plays with a striking artistic sensibility & viewpoint....And, I might add his control of musical imagery is nothing short of commanding.

George W. Carroll - EJAZZ News (Oct 31, 2006)

An easy going sextet that swings comfortably and confidently. Led by Marc Rosen on Bari and tenor (and his five compadres). This album will catch your ear with it's melodic message.

Check out "Charlie's Comin' (the last track) This tune struts proudly with Dave Davidson swinging mightily on the keys. This song jumps and hollers with enthusiasm.

This is a stellar group that has the right idea with superb arrangements and outstanding soloists.

5 Stars

John Gilbert - EJAZZ News (Nov 2, 2006)

“This CD reminds me of some of the great musical things that Chet (Baker) and Gerry (Mulligan) used to do during the early 50s at the Haig, a small jazz club in Hollywood.
The musicianship is together and I feel that each player expressed himself very well. I think its a damn good CD!!”

Artt Frank-Long time Bop drummer with Chet Baker and many other luminaries, including Charlie Parker

"With [Mulligan] as his musical model, [Rosen] developed his own baritone sax sound and style. [Rosen] has musical talent and intelligence, and he has practically resurrected the best of Gerry Mulligan. ...[Rosen's] tone quality and facility on the baritone sax is unusually nice..."

Richard Zoller - Sierra Vista Herald (Apr 13, 2006)

"...the Sweet Thunder Jazztet did a magnificent set. The only problem was that it wasn't long enough."

Bill Hess - Sierra Vista Herald-Tempo (Apr 13, 2006)