Comments for Ahmad Alaadeen, Blues For RC

REVIEWS AND COMMENTS --- ALL MUSIC GUIDE ...Well worth checking out Tenor and soprano saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen heads the Deans of Swing in Kansas City. His septet, which is comprised of fine local players, performs mostly originals that indeed do swing while often being fairly modern. The solos of Alaadeen, trumpeter Danny Campbell, and trombonist Tim Perryman are full of spirit and creativity within the boundaries of swing to hard bop music, which sometimes hints at more adventurous moments. Well worth checking out, although this release and its follow-up, Time Through the Ages, are sure to be a bit scarce. Review by: Scott Yanow ---] L.A. STUDIO ARTIST GARY FOSTER says... ...the 'real thing' "While listening to Blues For RC and Josephine, too, I had the feeling that the traditions of real Kansas City Jazz have been brought forward and are beautifully expressed in today's language by Alaadeen and his friends. It is music that strikes me as the 'real thing'." Review by: Gary Foster --- MID-AMERICA ARTS ALLIANCE ...reflects his intellectual and spiritual depth "Ahmad Alaadeen heralds the timelessness of jazz from a uniquely Midwestern viewpoint with Blues For RC and Josephine, too. An impeccable reedsman who prefers being addressed by his surname, Alaadeen is a native Kansas Citian who epitomizes the term "standard bearer" not only in his playing but also in the teaching and nuturing of emerging artists. Despite many accolades and ever-growing acclaim, the music of Alaadeen reflects his intellectual and spiritual depth, amiable and often-times playful personality, and subtle strength of character." Review by: Wayne K. Self --- KANSAS CITY JAZZ AMBASSADORS MAGAZINE ..This is what jazz was, and still is all about. With Plays Blues For RC & Josephine Too, Ahmad Alaadeen, one of Kansas City's favorite jazzmen, has once again proven why he is a master of the saxophone. Having honed his skills with such greats as Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Alaadeen captures the allure of traditional jazz on everything from the languid "Someone to Watch Over Me" to the bluesy "Big Six." Review by: Vanessa Barnard