Alto Saxophonist Frank Strozier: "What's Goin' On"

One of the most overlooked masters of the alto saxophone is Frank Strozier. Frank is still alive in New York but reclusive. Mr. Strozier was one of the many talented musicians who was born in Memphis. He came up with pianist Harold Mabern, tenor saxophonists George Coleman, Charles Lloyd and trumpeter Booker Little. Frank like most of these players moved to Chicago and graduated from the Chicago Conservatory of Music then made his way to New York. Frank was praised by none other than John Coltrane as "having one of the most advanced harmonic senses of any young player on the scene today". Frank worked briefly with Miles Davis and then with drummer Roy Haynes and then moved to Los Angeles where he played with drummer Shelly Manne and big bands led by Oliver Nelson and Don Ellis and did movie and studio work. He moved back to NYC in 1971 and soon began recording for the Danish based Steeplechase label. Tonight's Jazz Feature is his second date done in November 1977. It spotlights Frank on alto saxophone and also flute along with the great but little known trumpeter Danny Moore on some tunes. Harold Mabern is on piano and he sparks this session. The rhythm is premier: Stafford James on bass and the great Louis Hayes on drums. The title track of course is the Marvin Gaye classic arranged by Harold Mabern and begins the date on a high level. Another Mabern selection follows and then three compositions by Frank Strozier conclude this important Jazz Feature. Check it out tonight!