Reflections on "Mose"
 
 

For more than four decades, alto saxophonist Frank Moser has been at the forefront of the Upstate New York jazz scene, captivating jazz lovers with a style that is as uniquely melodic as it is technically flawless. Having had an opportunity to enjoy countless performances worldwide by the genre's finest exponents of the instrument, I remain continually impressed each time I have an opportunity to hear Frank perform. In my estimation, his interpretations of standards by the artform's masters are equal in quality to any I've heard anywhere by the jazz world's finest altoists. His regular sidemen, keyboardists Rick Montalbano and Greg Barone, percussionist Jimmy Johns and bassist, Darryl Pugh, provide a perfect backdrop for his distinctive style and the perfect setting for Frank's consistently excellent solos, which never fail to deliver. Though rarely included in discussion that regularly mention Paul Desmond, Lou Donaldson and other jazz greats that have excelled on alto, Moser is definitely a talent worthy of wider recognition on the national scene and one of jazz's best kept secrets. In short, I dig Mose. That's why he was my first choice to headline the first-ever Syracuse Jazz Festival more than a decade ago and why he's been invited to perform at five consecutive editions of the Syracuse Walk of Stars Awards. Not only is he the best there is, he may be the best ever in this part of the country, as far as alto sax is concerned. Without a doubt, he's a sure-fire candidate for future induction into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame. My only hope is that the rest of the country has an opportunity to discover one day soon what Upstate New York jazz fans have been privileged to share for more than forty years. When it comes to Bop and straight-ahead jazz, Mose is and has always been at the top of his game. It just doesn't get any better than this. Frank Malfitano Founder/Artistic Director of the Syracuse Jazz Festival

From the opening moments of Frank Moser, Jr.'s CD Just Friends, it is evident that a pleasurable listening experience awaits all jazz ears. Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli's opening statement on the album's first cut is just one example of why he has become one of the most sought after trumpeters on the always competitive and vibrant Manhattan jazz scene. Let it be known that Magnarelli is one of five home-grown Central New York bred musicians that make up the Frank Moser, Jr. quintet on this recording taken from a performance at the Syracuse Jazz Festival a few years back. The musicians speak for themselves... let me first speak of the material that is brought to the highest level on Just Friends. The album opens with a seldom heard Cannonball Adderley gem, Spontaneous Combustion, which not only showcases Magnarelli's prowess on trumpet but also the leader's soloing ability. It is a ten minute masterpiece as each man shines on his own until they all re-state the theme for a rousing conclusion. The Charles McPherson composition Lizabeth has a relaxed bossa feel throughout with pianist Rick Montalbano showing why he has been a fixture on the Upstate New York jazz scene for many years. Thelonious Monk's up-tempo Rhythm-a- ning is next on the album, with Magnarelli adding the mute to his horn for this one and Jimmy Johns providing some great drum work all throughout the tune. The lone ballad on the album, Lover Man, is given a marvelous treatment by the ensemble, once again allowing each member of the group to showcase their individual talents. The Joe Henderson tune Recorda Me is anchored by the solid bass work of Darryl Pugh, with Frank putting his chops on display for good measure once again. The album concludes with the title track as Frank and the gang exemplify what a true jazz quintet should sound like - cohesive, collected and having a great deal of FUN. The interplay between Moser and Magnarelli at the outset of the song is a joy to hear. In fact, when you put Jimmy Johns, Rick Montalbano, Joe Magnarelli, Darryl Pugh and their leader Frank Moser, Jr. on a stage together, and better yet, record the proceedings, every note is a joy to hear. These cats are not only "just friends", they happen to be five of the finest musicians that Central New York has to offer. One can only hope that the rest of the jazz world will soon find out. Eric Cohen Music Director, Jazz 88 WAER Radio, Syracuse, NY

A fantastic live date. Highly recommended. Most jazz festival blowing sessions are pretty loose, with everybody blaring away as loud and fast as they can. This one is more disciplined, but with plenty of energy. Moser gets a big tone on the alto and phrases beautifully. But I was especially impressed with the control and the feeling the leader and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli demonstrate on "Lover Man". I've always said that the mark of a great horn man is not how fast he can play but how much honest emotion he can invest in a ballad. Front line also gets sympathetic support from the veteran rhythm section. This CD goes on my Faves shelf, to be played for any visitor to the Herr Library of Jazz Rarities who wants to know the calibre of musician we have in CNY! John Herr Jazz Aficionado, collector, and Photographer

Frank Moser's playing is strong, confident, and authentic. It communicates and carries a real jazz message, which is both purposeful and refreshing. Joe Hunt Boston October, 2000 Joe Hunt is a jazz drums instructor/professor at Berklee College of Music and a former member of the Stan Getz Band and the Gary Burton Quartet.

I first enjoyed Frank Moser’s alto playing during the sixties when I was in Syracuse. In those days there were several jazz clubs, and Frank could be heard at one of them on a weekend. And I heard him a lot as he sang his song in his own distinctive style. Then as now, his signature tune was "Just Friends." After I moved to Toronto in ’68, we kept in touch, but I haven’t heard him live since then. However, he may have inspired me to do something I had always wanted to do: I bought an alto and began playing it by ear. But I kept my day job! On the new CD I especially like Frank on "Lover Man" which I hear as his tribute to Charlie Parker. It is vintage Moser: always lyrical and straight from the heart. Thanks for putting a song in my heart, Frank. Dave Hunt Toronto August 2000 Dave Hunt is a Psych PhD, mentor, and great jazz fan.

I was introduced to Frank Moser in 1983, and for the next three years he became one of my main musical mentors, showing me that jazz wasn't just something you did, but something you lived for. Although Frank is not a household name throughout the country, people in the Upstate area know him as one of the great saxophone players to come out of the Syracuse-Utica area, along with J.R. Monterose, Sal Nistico, and Walt Weiskopf. Simply put, Frank Moser can play, and his artistry has enriched my life. Thanks "Mose"! Joe Magnarelli New York July 2000 Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli is a Criss Cross recording artist.