Saxophonist Joe Lovano knows just how to rough up a bop number, wail like a bird of prey and keep each and every note right on target. Too young to have fully joined the free jazz movement and too old to be a slick self-promoter, Lovano relies instead on straight-on integrity. He knows people don't come out to hear any one single style as much as they come to hear quality music. You'll be able to witness that dedication and craft when he comes to Tokyo next week.
With annual releases since 1985, Lovano has had time to cover plenty of territory. On recordings as diverse as the almost solo-less big band tribute (2000's "52nd Street Themes"), the elegant reworking of Enrico Caruso's opera (2002's "Viva Caruso") or his most recent hard-driving workout, "Joyous Encounter," his keen sense of ensemble playing works at all levels.
He plays not in front, and not behind, but right together with his band, always. Lovano also knows how to distill influences. Bringing together bop, post-bop, free jazz and bits and pieces of sax giants from the past, he pays homage while making all those borrowings fresh, whole and relevant. He is less concerned with homage, though, than exploration. He whammies tempos, upends harmonies and yanks the guts out of too-pretty melodies, yet still swings with a tough energy that brings it all together.