Denis DiBlasio and Brian Betz have recently released their self-titled CD on Dreambox Media. The two CD set features DiBlasio and Betz in two separate, yet complimentary settings. CD one features twelve duos by the pair on baritone sax and guitar respectively. CD two captured the live quintet at Chris’ Jazz Café of Philadelphia in May of 2007. The duo is joined by Gerry DeLoach on tenor sax, Steve Varner on bass and Jim Miller on drums.
When I first opened this two disk I chose to listen to the live cuts first. Having been very familiar with DiBlasio’s baritone saxophone playing I was yet very curious to hear DeLoach and DiBlasio side by side. Needless to say, DeLoach and Diblasio’s interplay is consistent and hard-bopping at all times. The rhythm section of Betz, Varner and Miller hold firm on a series of blistering tempos – not for the meek.
What Is This Thing Called Love is likely the most telling track of this whole CD. Denis DiBlasio and Gerry DeLoach bob hard and fast in a fury of notes climaxing in an old-school tenor (albeit tenor and baritone) battle of years gone by. DeLoach’s haunting and pensive ballad Where To Now? remains the only departure from some textbook bebop playing demonstrated by all at Chris’ Jazz Café that evening.
Having witnessed more music-per-pound on disk two than I bargained for, my ears were ready for a ballad. I was not disappointed by DiBlasio and Betz on the first, duo disk either. Although it is unwise to compare studio and live recordings, here it is striking to note the different approach between quintet and duo. Betz’ guitar provides the perfect orchestration for this less-familiar side of DiBlasio. When he bops hard on the baritone there is great resonance and edge to his sound. DiBlasio’s baritone sax here is mellow and tender. Shades of Mulligan creep in here and there until he barks out a low note or two reminding the listener that he can go into overdrive at anytime. The more-familiar sound of flute and guitar are highlighted on two separate takes of Yes In Deedy, dedicated to Philadelphian Harrison Ridley, Jr. Lastly, what guitar and flute duo would be complete without a Jobim tune? The duo plays a noteworthy tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim on No More Blues.
Denis DiBlasio has long been known for his hard-edged baritone, scat vocals and solo flute demonstrations on the college circuit. He is a mainstay in music education in New Jersey and across the US. It is a pleasure to hear him side-by-side with colleagues and former students – laying it down!
Skip Spratt
SaxShed.com
