from JazzWax.com
Tenor saxophonist Michael Pedicin’s Live @ the Loft (Jazz Hut) will restore your faith in jazz artists who continue to keep the faith in a big way. On this album, Pedicin plays big and strong on every track, adding a sureness and melodic flair that’s sadly missing today. And he knows his Dexter Gordon—the giant’s gritty cockiness runs through and through here. Dig Theme for Ernie, Like Sonny and Africa. Pedicin’s quartet also is terrific: Johnnie Valentino (guitar), Jim Ridl (piano), Andy Lalasis (bass) and Bob Shomo (drums). A nervy saxophonist who has the stuff to pull off these covers and more.