But for tenor saxist Ted Nash it was a personal one. Among jazz's elite growing up in Los Angeles in the 60's and 70's, a time when many would consider the hayday of the film industry's outpouring of original of music by great composers, one being Henry Mancini.
Nash had the good fortune to be exposed to this great music in an unique way. His father and uncle, Dick and Ted Nash were both prominent studio musicians, firmly ensconced in the Hollywood's film scene. They were present on just about every film score and record of Mancini's at that time.
Ethmer Roten, Nash's saxophone, flute and clarinet teacher, also played with Mancini and was featured along with his father and uncle on the weekly TV show The Mancini generation.
Nash sounds lush throughout, primarily but not exclusively on tenor sax. Nash is joined by three like-minded partners of the highest order, pianist Frank Kimbrough, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Matt Wilson. Together...they breathe beautiful life into Maestro Mancini's music.
Douglas Payne, All About Jazz
The heartfelt affection Nash brings to the music really makes this project connect...everyone involved brings the music into the present portraying it crisply and sharply but with plenty of emotion. This is certainly a grand way to reconsider the works of Mancini.
Midwest Record Staff Writer
Several worthy instrumental collections of Mancini's music have surfaced since the composer's death in 1994...Mr. Nash's new project is by far the most dutiful and personal tribute that one could imagine.
Will Friedwald, New York Sun
Nash's top-drawer quartet offers splendid interpretations of the themes from “Breakfast At Tiffany's," “Night Visitor," and “Experiment In Terror," as well as the gorgeous “Lujon" (first popularized by Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 as a vocal called “Slow Hot Wind"), and “Two For The Road," which is the favorite Mancini tune of many jazz musicians.
Dr. Judith Schlesinger, All About Jazz
Ted Nach- Reeds
Frank Kimbrough- Piano
Rufus Reid- Bass
Matt Wilson- Drums
For more information contact All About Jazz.
