Joshua Redman: Back East

Status of copy at Case Memorial Library
Ben Ratliff wrote in the New York Times: "'Back East' (Nonesuch) isn't a stopgap or an experiment for the saxophonist Joshua Redman; it's a record that scales back and takes inventory of his roots and strengths. It pulls vigorously toward the example of Sonny Rollins (the title is a play on Mr. Rollins's 1957 album 'Way Out West') but also, to a lesser extent, toward John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Mr. Redman's father, Dewey Redman, who died last year. Mostly, it's a no-nonsense saxophone-trio record — like 'Way Out West' — using three rhythm sections, all of them first-rate. A few songs include Dewey Redman, Chris Cheek or Joe Lovano on second saxophone. (On 'GJ,' the last track, the elder Redman plays a short piece with one of the rhythm sections, Larry Grenadier on bass and Ali Jackson on drums; the younger Mr. Redman doesn't even appear.) Mr. Redman has been a flexible record maker since he emerged, almost 15 years ago; he can play with almost anyone, and with almost any stylistic intent. But here his simplest record is also his least facile and his clearest of purpose" ("Playlist," 4/29/07).