Search - Dick Oatts :: Standard Issue

Quintessential alto man

mike cemprola | philadelphia | 11/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Dick Oatts for a while, following him in the Vanguard Orchestra. I had heard the companion cd to this album, Standard Issue, Vol. 2, and was floored. I was used to hearing him in a very precise, meticulous situation, leading a section with the occasional feature. Here, these 6 tunes really show how he blows. Not to say that his playing on this isn't "precise," but it is certainly a freer situation, working as the only horn player. His interpretations of melodies are thoughtful and at times witty, quoting "prince albert" instead of the usual melody of "all the things you are." All of his solos are fantastic, story-telling lines with tasteful twists and turns. After grabbing this album, I'm definately on the hunt to pick up the rest of his stuff."