(Post-Bop) Aaron Heick & Romantic Jazz Trio (w/ John Di Martino) - Europe - 2008 (Japan Edition), MP3, 320 kbps

Sometimes very talented and worthy musicians take a long time before releasing a leader album. Others never do. Fortunately, Aaron Heick hooked up with the Japanese label Venus Records to release his first album under his own name. Undoubtedly one of the best contemporary alto saxophonists in the US, Heick has performed and recorded with such big stars as Chaka Khan, Barbra Streisand, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra and Richard Bona.
In a one-horn, quartet setting with the fabulous John di Martino and his Romantic Jazz Trio, Heick displays his amazing technique, strong sound and emotionally charged soulfulness. The unique selections include Carlos Santana's hit number "Europe," flutist Herbie Mann's funky "Comin' Home, Baby," a Beatle song "And I Love Her" and the haunting "Infant Eyes" written by Wayne Shorter, as well as two attractive original compositions by the leader himself.
The strong performances of the musicians--who interact beautifully--are enhanced by the typically heavy, fat, gutsy sound produced by Venus's engineering team. A marvelous and very strong debut CD from a superbly talented musicians' musician!