Medicine Man
Tom Tallitsch
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Medicine Man | Tom Tallitsch | 8:56 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Yellow | Tom Tallitsch | 8:25 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Little Dancers | Tom Tallitsch | 7:43 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Three Flights Down | Tom Tallitsch | 3:53 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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La Tortuga | Tom Tallitsch | 7:16 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Ceasefire | Tom Tallitsch | 7:16 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Good Friday | Tom Tallitsch | 5:57 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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8 |
Three Flights Down (Reprise) | Tom Tallitsch | 3:51 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| Total: 8 Songs |
Album Review
A nice sophomore set from Philadelphia area saxman Tom Tallitsch, Medicine Man casually grooves its way through a series of original compositions while making full use of the accompanying band. Indeed, Tallitsch is heard less than one might expect on an album that he leads. Not that he's absent in any way from the proceedings, but this is definitely an ensemble album, not a solo project. The opening title track starts out the affair with a fairly quick number with hints of Coltrane's compositions worked in. The mood mellows out a bit by the second number, but also gives vibes player Tony Miceli and guitarist Victor Baker a nice place to exhibit their respective skills. "Little Dancers," the first of two numbers from Baker, has a slight Latin mood that carries the band through fairly quickly, and "Three Flights Down," after starting out with a nice bass solo, moves into an urban nightclub sort of sound. The pace diminishes notably (and appropriately) on "La Tortuga," a loping, plodding number with Tallitsch at the fore, and speeds back up to a slightly frenzied urban format in "Ceasefire." Another round of excellent solos in "Good Friday," and the album ends much where it started, with an exploration into the motives of "Three Flights Down" once again. A solid contemporary jazz album throughout — not too many stratospheric thrills, but no disappointments whatsoever.
Customer Reviews
All About Jazz
Philadelphia has always been something of a breeding ground for tenor saxophonists—John Coltrane, Benny Golson and Archie Shepp to name a few. Adding to the city�s rich jazz heritage is saxophonist/composer Tom Tallitsch who, although an Ohio native, has established himself as a revered member of the Philly scene. Medicine Man, Tallitsch�s second release as a leader, is a soulful collection of original mainstream jazz, featuring an expansive quintet, rounded off by vibraphone, guitar, bass and drums Tallitsch blows his tenor with confidence, at times hearkening the vibrancy of Joe Henderson, all the while showcasing an artistic voice, curious and exploring. Not one to waste notes, Tallitsch maintains strong melodic sensibilities during soft-spoken ballads (�Yellow�), up-tempo explorations (�Three Flights Down�) and soulful excursions (�Ceasefire�). Sharing the solo spotlight with Tallitsch is guitarist Victor Baker and vibraphonist Tony Miceli. Baker�s lyrical lines, most notably on �Yellow� and �La Tortuga,� are highly original, and refreshingly void of typical guitar trappings. The dynamic guitarist also demonstrates a piano-like approach to comping that is sparse and convincing. Miceli solos with rapid-fire execution (�Three Flights Down�) and a determination to keep things swinging (�Good Friday�). Drummer Dan Monaghan plays with an explosive edge, dropping unexpected flourishes of sound over sensible time-keeping. Bassist Paul Gehman lays a solid foundation with a punchy, rounded tone. The drum and bass double-time groove against Tallitsch�s laid-back lines on the disc�s closer �Three Flights Down (Reprise),� is a powerful show-stopper. With Medicine Man Tallitsch demonstrates his potential to stand above the innumerable tenor saxophone sound-a-likes plaguing the jazz scene. With the aid of his like-minded musical brothers, he has produced a clever, stimulating session. John Barron - 2/19/08
Philadelphia Enquirer
After 12 years in Philly, tenor saxophonist Tom Tallitsch can meet the demands for what a tenor should sound like. This is no small thing. The Cleveland native, who was schooled at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is a regular on a club scene here, where the tenor standards are high. Tallitsch doesn't hammer you with technique; instead, he finds the magisterial in an unhurried way. Tallitsch plays a big tenor, not by blowing particularly fast, but by laying out good ideas in winning combinations. His quiet quintet is softened by vibraphonist Tony Miceli, whose frequent gigs on Sundays at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's champagne brunch offer some sophisticated respite. Others piloting this tasteful quintet are drummer Dan Monaghan, bassist Paul Gehman, and guitarist Victor Baker. Karl Stark
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Propellerhead | Duality | 8:15 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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Conscious Contact | Perspective | 5:41 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
