Recently I was made aware of an impressive recording by saxophonist Todd Oxford. Oxford is perhaps best known as the co-founder of the Elision Saxophone Quartet as well as a member of the Harvey Pittel Saxophone Quartet. His extensive recital and performance credits include tours throughout most of the United State and across the globe. He has been featured in Saxophone Journal and recently offered his own line of saxophones.
Tango Magnetism by Todd Oxford and pianist Daniel Immel features seven varied pieces for alto saxophone. The demanding literature showcases Oxford’s formidable classical saxophone talents throughout the range of the instrument. Classical saxophone aficionados as well as those who enjoy more exploratory works will not be disappointed by this release. The John Williams piece Catch Me If You Can originally performed by Dan Higgins is a personal favorite. One can appreciate the chemistry between saxophonist Oxford and accompanist Immel as they honor the spirit of this piece set for full orchestra.
The title cut is one of the more adventurous pieces presented here. The liner notes quote composer Daniel Gutwein as saying, “I imagined the piece as if it were produced with all the high-tech advantages of a movie sound-track, complete with…electric guitars and castanets recorded with the close-up microphones. The explosive/rushing jet-like qualities are purely electronic sounds…”
The remaining five contemporary selections on Tango Magnetism offer much bright window into Oxford’s talents on the saxophone. The altissimo, vibrato and intonation are all that you would expect from such a highly trained saxophonist as Todd Oxford.
You can read Todd Oxford’s complete bio and learn more about his line of saxophones at toddoxford.com.