Album Review: Stuff I Heard from Troy Roberts
Album: Stuff I Heard Artist: Troy Roberts Label: Toy Robot Music Website: troyroberts.com Practically a one man show, Troy Roberts' performance on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones is countered by his chord movements on the acoustic bass and electric bass. His recording Stuff I Heard becomes a dialogue between the instruments his plays supported by a backbeat from Jimmy MacBride on drums. With all original works featured on the program, Roberts creates a textural variety that showcases his skills as a versatile musician and composer. “Lifeline” is a wonderful addition to Roberts repertoire. The tranquilizing aesthetics are smoothly orchestrated with Middle Eastern style accents and saxophone phrases that integrate complementing furls. His saxophone solo slinks gently as the notes nestle into the nooks and crannies of the chord progressions. Exploring the orchestral colors of the saxophone, the pensive mood of “Prayer of Hope” i...