Inside the front cover of saxophonist Walt Weiskopf’s new album, there’s a quote from writer Pearl S. Buck: “To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” For Weiskopf, keeping young has meant exploring a wide vocabulary of styles – from big bands to Frank Sinatra to his long-running gig with Steely Dan. Fountain of Youth finds him leading a tight quintet with vibist Behn Gillece, pianist Peter Zak, bassist Mike Karn and drummer Steve Fidyk.
The band puts fresh moves on standards as well as originals, like “Loose Lips” and “Hot Dog Days.” Weiskopf’s “Petal” recalls 1960s-vintage Bobby Hutcherson. And “Backstage Blues” will have some thinking of Walt’s dear friend Michael Brecker.
1) Backstage Blues 2) Close Enough For Love 3) Petal 4) How Are Things In Glocca Morra 5) Loose Lips 6) Echoes Of The Quiet Past 7) Laura 8) Young And Foolish 9) Hot Dog Days 10) Heads In The Clouds 11) Double Date