By Frank Alkyer | Published 2017
It’s been a pleasure for Chicago fans to hear Chris Greene grow up before their very ears. The 43-year-old saxophonist has been working the clubs of Chicago and other Midwest venues, honing his craft for a good, long time. He studied under the great David Baker and Thomas Walsh at Indiana University before returning to his hometown to continue his education on the bandstand under the tutelage of such legends as Von Freeman. On top of that, his quartet has been together since 2005. It still features original members Damian Espinosa (piano and keyboards) and Marc Piane (bass)—and relative newcomer Steve Corley on drums and percussion has been in the group since 2011. All of this work and experience pays off wonderfully on Boundary Issues, where Greene and company have a swagger that swings. The album’s set list demonstrates that this group sees no boundaries when it comes to musical selection. There’s a healthy sampling of great originals, such as Greene’s “Here To Help” and “Blues For Dr. Fear” as well as Espinosa’s “Thunder Snow” and Piane’s “Wildcat.” But the group also draws on some sweet, unlikely sources. It turns the Yellowjackets’ “Summer Song” into a rolling samba with the help of percussionist JoVia Armstrong. Horace Silver’s “Nica’s Dream” turns into a noir reggae jam. And the late and underappreciated Kenny Kirkland gets a beautiful nod with the quartet’s version of “Dienda,” which takes your breath away. So does the set’s closing number, Billy Strayhorn’s “Day Dream.” Greene has a beautiful feel and tone, and this group truly plays as one. It’s the kind of music that can only be made by artists who have honed their craft, together.
