By Jon Ross | Published July 2017
One of the first sounds on Chasing The Unicorn is a unique, ephemeral idea in its own right—a soprano saxophone tone that is supple and bright, well-rounded but buoyant. Roxy Coss’ soprano opens the title track, and the result is an engaging, playful medium-tempo tune that ends with a solo full of grit and bite.
Coss mixes original tunes with a handful of jazz and pop covers. The two pop tunes—Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” and The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling”—stand out for the careful arrangements that make them sound part of the jazz idiom. “Darling” is transformed from a lovesick ballad into a bluesy lament anchored by drummer Jimmy Macbride, while in Coss’ hands, “Crazy” somehow feels more heartbreaking and lonesome than the original.
Throughout the disc, Coss proves her versatility on a range of instruments, and though she leans toward tenor, conjuring up a forceful reedy bark from the saxophone, she is equally adept at soprano and bass clarinet. Chasing The Unicorn also showcases her original compositions, like the pleasingly disorienting “Never Enough,” which mixes musical sophistication and know-how with an inherent listenability.
Chasing The Unicorn: Chasing The Unicorn; A Shade Of Jade; You’re There; Free To Be; Oh! Darling; Never Enough; Virgo, Unwavering Optimism; Benny’s Tune; Endless Cycle; Crazy. (56:53)
Personnel: Roxy Coss, saxophones, bass clarinet; Alex Wintz, guitar; Glenn Zaleski, piano; Rick Rosato, bass; Jimmy Macbride, drums.
