Album Notes

Lincoln Adler is a versatile and skilled jazz and funk saxophonist based in the San Francisco Bay area. In addition to extensive work behind the scenes, his best known associations have been with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (led by actor/pianist Jeff Goldblum), and his own Times 4 and Rain-bo Tribe groups.

On Grateful, his main intention was to create soothing performances that could serve as relaxing and healing background music. But while that goal may lead one to expect wimpy New Age sounds or smooth muzak, Lincoln Adler is too strong a saxophonist to fall into that cul-de-sac. After all, one of his teachers was Joe Henderson and his love of both soulful jazz and funk would inspire him to fall asleep if he became too smooth.

Instead Adler, who is heard on alto, soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones in addition to keyboards, creates peaceful soundscapes with his keyboards and the assistance of guitarist G. Koop and drummer Russ Gold, and then improvises on top. The results are sensitive without being sleepy, melodic and a bit peaceful without being dull. Like the late Grover Washington, Jr, Adler displays the ability to take a fairly simple structure and make a great deal out of it, building up his solos with fire and soul in an accessible manner.

Adler performs ten of his originals on Grateful, stretching out at length. Some of his best performances are his alto playing on the catchy “Beautiful,” his fluent soprano on “At Peace,” and his quietly soulful tenor on “Vistas Of Freedom,” but each of the selections is enjoyable in its own way.

So while Grateful can be used as background for any number of activities, it also rewards close listening due to Lincoln Adler’s inventive playing. Fans of the saxophonist will definitely enjoy this relaxed effort.

- Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76