BEST TEN OF 2007 (ALL ABOUT JAZZ)

4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

In 1996, the Omer Avital Group was in transition. Due to their increasing workload outside the band, Avital was forced to replace original members Ali Jackson and Mark Turner. Losing musicians of that quality would have crippled other groups; but if Room To Grow (recorded live at Smalls the following year) is any indication, the band didn’t miss a beat when drummer Joe Strasser and tenor player Grant Stewart took their places.

PERSONNEL:

OMER AVITAL, bass
GREGORY TARDY, tenor sax & flute
CHARLES OWNES, tenor sax
MYRON WALDEN, alto sax
GRANT STEWART, tenor sax
JOE STRASSER, drums

Recorded between 1995-1997

TRACKS:
01. Kentucky Girl
02. It’s Alright With Me
03. 26-2