July 23, 2018. It’s been five years since we’ve had new music from saxophonist and York, Pennsylvania native Tim Warfield. His new album, Jazzland, uses the same configuration of his 2013 release One for Shirley. Terell Stafford is on trumpet, Pat Bianchi on the Hammond B3 organ, Byron Landham is the drummer, and Daniel Sadownick handles percussion.
These big names produce a big sound, which is expected of a Tim Warfield record, but with a lot of finesse. Bianchi’s versatility really shines through. He plays a supporting role in some of these arrangements, and easily becomes the star in others, especially the Warfield original “Shake It for Me.” His style truly ties this album together.
Warfield and Terell Stafford play together seamlessly. This probably has to do with their early experience as band members for the late great Shirley Scott. Rhythm veterans Landham and Sadownick unite, and add some extra bounce and mystique to these selections.
The tunes on Jazzland are familiar to jazzheads, but the arrangements are totally unique. The traditional “Wade In the Water” is treated as a big orchestration. Though there is a nod to the hit version Ramsey Lewis did in 1966, this version has a life of its own.
Jazzland: It’s a veteran band bringing a fresh sound to great compositions that makes for a satisfying listening experience.