Though this blistering tenor saxman is best known for his lengthy stint playing with the legendary Allen Toussaint Orchestra down New Orleans way, only a few tracks here feel distinctly bayou. But how gloriously bluesy they are. "I Wouldn't Mind," written by Toussaint, rolls along like a Dr. John instrumental, with Castenell's low toned, seductive melody gliding over Steve Goudeau's punchy steel-guitar harmony. "Mumbo Gumbo" is a playful free-for-all jam. It features honking sax, bubbling B-3, and fiery electric-guitar riffs over a jittery, bass-driven funk groove. "No Clue" centers around a slow, drawling conversation between Castenell's dreamy cool and a distant, distorted steel-guitar response. The rest of the time, Castenell - who varies his tenor approach from the lighthearted, soulful style of Richard Elliot to the romantic sizzle of Gato Barbieri - plays things closer to the smooth-jazz vest, simmering tenderly over easy, bouncing, mid-tempo grooves. On occasion, he'll jump out with a percussive high squeal in the middle of one of these tunes ("Night Vision," for instance) just to see if we're paying attention. Toussaint proves to be a great producer for his protege. His multi-faceted keyboard contributions are typified by the jumpy "Catch Me," where his synth strings embrace Castenell's hypnotic improvisations before giving way to a spirited piano solo. As strong as Castenell's playing is, it's a shame he didn't put even more of a regional stamp on this recording.
--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.
Sax Dreams,Jr. Amadee Castenell,Nyno,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop
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