Russell Haight - Go Forth [CD]

Developing his voice in Austin's fertile music scene over the last 20 years, saxophonist Russell Haight recorded "Go Forth" just days before relocating to upstate New York, as a document of the rich musical relationship he shared with his longtime collaborators, pianist Sean Giddings, bassist Ryan Hagler, and drummer Daniel Dufour. The set of 9 Haight originals and two arrangements of classic jazz staples cover a lot of ground, with "Go Forth" and "Mystic Bud" offering high-energy angularity, "Waltz for J," "Reminiscence" and "Rich in Heart," abundant in memorable melodicism, and "Scooch" delivering a Southern funk to the session. Haight's eclectic musical sense, developed through decades of performances, including stints with artists such as pop icon Christopher Cross and blues singer Ruthie Foster, is on full display on this joyous outing.