Bob Mover

Bob Mover has recorded sporadically as a leader since the late 1970s, but this pair of 2006 sessions features him in an ideal setting, playing both alto and tenor saxes, while also adding a few friendly vocals. He is backed by a top-notch rhythm section, including pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Dennis Irwin (who lost his battle with cancer in early 2008), and drummer Steve Williams. On alto sax, Mover is reminiscent of Phil Woods in the swinging treatment of "How Little We Know," an infrequently performed gem by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer; he captures the subtlety of "The Underdog" (penned by Al Cohn and Dave Frishberg), while his hushed, deep vocal in "Stairway to the Stars" proves him to be an effective crooner, with superb background by Barron, who is noted for his work with singers. Canadian guitarist Reg Schwager is a guest on several tracks, among them the unusually relaxed setting of "Sometime Ago" and a jaunty rendition of "People Will Say We're in Love." Guest tenor saxophonist Igor Butman appears on the sole original, the snappy bop vehicle "Erkin." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide