Gerald Hayes Saxophone May 10, 2008

"If you have lived in the teeming urban mini- universe of Brooklyn, NY in the decades of the last third of the 20th century, and if you are musically aware, you will have undoubtedly heard the brilliant alto of Mr. Gerald Hayes. Which is not to say that you might not have heard Mr. Hayes in Japan, or in Los Angeles, or in Toronto or in San Francisco, or in Bermuda, if you were fortunate enough to be in those places at just the right time. But, the City of Brooklyn, New York has adopted this Detroit native as one of its MVPs of the rich Jazz scene that has seen glory days in these parts. And of the many bright lights that make up this star-studded New York galaxy, Gerald Hayes is one of the brightest and most consistently satisfying of the past two generations of Jazz artists living and, yes, working this town and its environs.
And work it he has-- from Harlem to Jersey City, from New Rochelle to Greenwich Village, from Long Island to Staten Island! And he has played The Music with the best: from his brother, the incomparable drummer, Louis Hayes, who graces this album, to such luminaries of the Jazz constellation as Howard McGee, Al Grey, McCoy Tyner, Bill Hardman and Frank Foster. Mr. Hayes has also gigged with the likes of Stevie Wonder and The Shirelles. But mostly, Gerald Hayes has captivated the increasingly few, but very devoted followers of this art form, Jazz, with his dazzling style and unique musical eloquence. Because, although his audience may not know why they like his sound, Mr. Hayes believes the music has got to SWING as well as be intellectually challenging. And he delivers a package that is intriguingly complex, and finger snapping hot: in a word, sublime. So listen, and be prepared to be blown away..."
M.T.

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