Raw Silk

Raw Silk

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
The success of saxophonists like Najee poses a difficult challenge for up-and-coming smooth-jazz reedsmen: How to fit the mold, yet not sound too much like any one player? Glenn McNulty made a good choice when he called his Isona Records debut Raw Silk: He answers the question by taking his tenor in two basic directions - a swaying, gentle cool with soulful appeal akin to that of Boney James, and a more aggressive effect that falls somewhere between the dynamics of Richard Elliot and Gato Barbieri. When McNulty is playing it romantic, like on "Jump Start," it's as though he's holding back a little, keeping the melody a bit subdued. Even more graceful are the whispery, breathy tones of the Brazilian-flavored ballad "Today" and of "Softly Spoken," which features Rick Kuhns' wistful accordion work. It's not until the jumpier, brassy blues tune, "Poolside," that McNulty really lets loose and gets a bit funky. "Summer Tides" combines the best of both approaches, as the saxman eases softly into a mid-tempo ballad that later offers pockets for some powerful improvisations.

Raw Silk,Glenn Mcnulty,Isona,Jazz

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