Tim Warfield – “One For Shirley”

I’ve followed Tim Warfield’s career since he was a youngster sitting in at Central Pennsylvania jam sessions. In fact, Tim was so young that his Dad would bring him to whatever venue was hosting a jam session any given week.

“One For Shirley,” his most recent offering from the Criss Cross label, is more than a tribute to a mentor; it is the documentation of a mature jazz talent. That Warfield has always been a substantial talent on saxophone is without question. However, on this disc we hear a depth of playing that only comes with the payment of significant dues.

In the Warfield ensemble’s hands old standards are examined from fresh perspectives and new compositions are presented for our inspection and appreciation. The resulting collection of music swings with the familiar and the unfamiliar. The new music on this disc is devoid of the self-absorbed introspection that passes for depth of thought and feeling.

As this is being written Tim is coming off a week at the Village Vanguard with Terell Stafford’s Quintet. Just another example of the musical company this York, PA native keeps.