Straight Ahead

Straight Ahead

Track Listings

1. I Don't Know Yet (Stitt) 6:06

2. All the Things You Are (Kern/Hammerstien) 8:35

3. Lullaby of the Leaves (Petkere/Young) 4:57

4. Lover Man (Davis/Ramirez/Sherman) 7:39

5. Kelly's Blues (Peterson) 7:08

6. Yesterdays (Kern/Harbach) 6:37

7. Chicago Calling (Griffin) 6:06

8. Body and Soul (Heyman/Sour/Greene) 9:38

9. Cherokee (Noble) 5:13

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
At age twenty-two, tenor saxophonist Stan Killian has already established himself as one of the great young talents in Texas. In early 2000, he formed the critically acclaimed Stan Killian Quartet. That summer, he recorded his first CD, "Straight Ahead", featuring Austin's Jazz Legends, James Polk and Martin Banks. He recently completed a degree in music performance and is planning the recording of his next album, "Deep Down".

Killian has a different saxophone presence. While many of today's saxophonists play in the styles of Michael Brecker and Bob Mintzer, Killian's saxophone sound comes from Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, and Johnny Griffin. He has spent his young career listening to these masters and assimilating each of their influences into his concept. He believes contemporary saxophonists erroneously overlook the soulful tones of the past, an issue he addresses by combining a modern harmonic vocabulary with a robust tenor sound.

Killian plays with a modern drive and harmonic understanding. As he develops, so too will the depth of his adventurous, modern side. The newest generation of jazz musicians plays with more than mere postmodern acrobatics; they play with an incisive awareness of tradition. Killian's work consistently exhibits a profound understanding of the jazz legacy.

Product Description
Stan Killian’s tenor saxophone swings through soulful selections from the great American songbook in his debut recording, Straight Ahead. Here, he fuses the mastery of venerable Texas jazz legends James Polk and Martin Banks with the drive of younger Texas talent. He also features his father, legendary pianist Joe Killian, on some cuts, which gives the recording an even deeper dimension. Stan Killian is truly the new Texas Tenor to be heard.

Straight Ahead,Stan Killian

Jazz Music: Straight Ahead

Jazz Music: