(Modern Jazz / Modern Creative / Avant Garde) David Binney (with Adam Rogers / Jeff Hirshfield / Kenny Wollesen / Jamie Baum etc) - Free to Dream - 1998, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Alto saxophonist David Binney has established himself as a true original and critically acclaimed performer in progressive jazz of modern times. Born in Miami, FL, August 2, 1961, he spent some time in Detroit while his parents, who were big music fans, were at Wayne State University. They introduced him to the music of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bobby Hutcherson, and Wayne Shorter, Jimi Hendrix, Milton Nascimento, and Sly & the Family Stone among others. Growing up in the beach community of Carpenteria, CA, Binney began formal studies on the saxophone with various teachers in nearby Los Angeles. In 1980 at the age of 19 he moved to New York City, where he was tutored by Phil Woods, Dave Liebman, and George Coleman. In 1989 he was awarded a grant form the National Endowment for the Arts, using it to record his first CD, Point Game in 1991 for the Owl label. He was a sideman for Aretha Franklin and Maceo Parker, was initially and briefly associated with the M-Base techno-funk crowd, and then formed a special partnership with tenor saxophonist Chris Potter. Binney was a member of the short-lived but innovative ensembles Lost Tribe, and Lan Xang with fellow saxophonist Donny McCaslin, was with Uri Caine's Gustav Mahler and J.S. Bach Projects, the Drew Gress-led combo Jagged Sky, the Maria Schneider and Gil Evans orchestras, and Medeski, Martin & Wood. Audioquest released his second album as a leader The Luxury of Guessing in 1995. He started his own record label, Mythology, yielding albums Free to Dream and the first Lan Xang CD (1998), as well as Welcome to Life (2004) and Out of Airplanes (2006). The 2001 recording South for the ACT label brought Binney's collaboration with Potter to full fruition. He's also led sessions for the Criss Cross label on Bastion of Sanity (2005) and Cities and Desire (2006), and for the Italian Red label on Afindad (2001) and Fiestas de Agosto (2005), while Lan Xang issued a second disc for Naxos records in 2000. A follow-up on ACT, Balance, from 2002 found Binney teamed again with McCaslin. Among the many musicians he has worked with; Jim Hall, Bill Frisell, Joel Harrison, Steve Bernstein & Sex Mob, Mark Turner, Craig Taborn, Leni Stern, Alex Sipiagin, Thomas Morgan, Dan Weiss, Kenny Wollesen, Eivind Opsvik, Edward Simon, Jacob Sacks, Cecil McBee, Brian Blade, Scott Colley, Adam Rogers, Wayne Krantz, Tim Lefebvre, Fima Ephron, Jim Black, Bobby Previte, Jeff Hirschfield, Ben Perowsky, Ben Monder, David Gilmore, Lonnie Plaxico, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, James Genus, Rodney Holmes, Nate Wood, and Lucia Pulido. David Binney performs regularly at the 55 Bar in New York City, a gig he has held for a decade. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

By Glenn Astarita
New York City "Downtown Scene" alto saxophonist David Binney has produced a winner here. Binney has gained some much-deserved recognition due to his dazzling virtuosity with artists such as Drew Gress, Edward Simon and the beloved hard-edged jazz-fusion band, Lost Tribe. Free To Dream is Binney's first solo effort on his newly formed Mythology Records label. Here, Binney is supported by a mini-brass section, exotic percussion, muscular rhythms and long time associate Edward Simon on the piano. Free To Dream conjures up peaceful and atmospheric scenarios yet hits home with glistening upbeat brass arrangements and exquisite soloing.
The forecast is crystalline, bright and sunny as detected from the opening moments of Binney's original composition, "Goddess," commencing with gorgeous ensemble work supported by driving rhythms that insinuate Latin-Samba. Here, Binney reaches for the stars with lyrically engaging choruses on his Alto Sax. Binney's fierce and impossibly fast Alto maneuvers intensify the thematic development over the top while the horns and rhythm section push forward. The talented pianist Edward Simon is the underlying catalyst with his industrious and palpitating left-hand chord progressions.
All the tracks are Binney compositions and the mood is consistently positive. Binney and associates create surreal soundscapes that prompt the imagination into realizations of vivid imagery. The overall tone equates to tranquillity and elation yet at times, breathes fire. The track titled "Oddman" sees Binney whipping his alto into submission with obvious determination. Binney's meticulous and melodic phrasing over a slight-funk back beat contrasts well with the low register brass section featuring the excellent Donny McCaslin on tenor sax.
It must be stated that all participants are in fine form throughout the entire recording. "Voice Of Reason" takes the listener on a journey, as pianist Edward Simon is the tour guide. Simon plays traffic cop while directing the Brass section through majestic and breezy charts. Simon's passionate phrasing and climatic movement emits a sense of contemplation or some degree of seeking answers to life's questions. The gradual convergence of all musical parts leads to a fitting climax. Ethereal at times; however, this is not your stereotypical over-produced smooth jazz product.
Free To Dream comprises intelligent arrangements, heartfelt well-stated soloing and thought provoking compositions. "Sea Of Allurement" is introspective yet vibrant with wonderful interplay among the twin Saxophones of Binney and McCaslin.
Free To Dream is a jazz outing of depth and originality. If this writer were to make a late edition to a jazz top 10 list for 1998, Free To Dream would be included. Highly Recommended.

Very lush, beautiful composition and improvisation by some of the jazz worlds best new muscians.
Album Notes
Acclaimed as a considerable and
highly individual compositional
talent,saxophonist Dave Binney is
one of the most prolificyoung jazz
musicians on the scene today.
Winning praise from critics and
colleagues alike,Dave was
recently singledout by Jazz Times
as one of a handful of "young
players who have created an
alternativejazzscene...all of
whom are playing adventurous,
original music."
Known for his performances with
such prestigious groups as the
big bands of Gil Evans and Maria
Schneider,as well as with Jim
Hall,Bobby Previte and the Cecil
McBee quintet.Dave was also a
co-founder of the hard-edged
quintet "Lost Tribe" and the
open-form collective quartet "Lan
Xang." With these groups and
on his own,he has recorded a
dozen albums as leader or co-leader.
Dave was born in Miami,Florida
and raised in Southern California.
His love of jazz dates back to his
childhood,when the music of
Coltrane,Miles,Bobby Hutcherson,
WayneShorter and many others
was introduced to him by his
parents[along with that of
Milton Nascimento,Jimi Hendrix
and Sly Stone,of course].
He began to study the saxophone
and at the age of 19 moved to
New York City to play gigs and
to study with Phil Woods,Dave
Liebman and George Coleman.
In 1989 Dave was awarded
a grant from the National
Endowment for the Arts to
record his first album."Point
Game",which was released on
the French label Owl Records,
featuringMarvin "Smitty" Smith,
Edward Simon,Adam Rogers
and Lonnie Plaxico.
Since then,Dave's distinctive
saxophone sound and innovative
compositions have been heard
from basement clubs in New York
to jazz festivals in Europe. In
addition to Dave's extensive work
as a leader,he has been sought
after as a sideman,appearing on
record with Medeski,Martin &
Wood and Uri Caine's Mahler
Project.Dave has also appeared
on stage with Aretha Franklin,at
Carnegie Hall,and with Maceo
Parker,to name a few. He has
produced all of his own albums,
in addition to two of the Lost
Tribe releases. Dave started his
record label,Mythology Records,
in 1998.
"Dave Binney possesses one of the most
original minds in contemporary music."
- Stereophile
"Add Dave Binney's dynamic voice on
saxophone and his great writing to the
chorus of creators re-invigorating jazz."
- The Montreal Gazette
"...a strikingly original composer,leader,
conceptualist."
- DownBeat
REVIEWS
Buy This One Now! (5 stars)
author: John R.
Heartbreaking, emotional, and so beautiful would be words that best describe this recording by composer/alto saxophonist David Binney. This is released on the Binney-owned Mythology label. Jazz musicians and fans have been praising Binney's contributions as composer and player for years. After hearing "Free To Dream" it's to argue with them. When you hear songs like "Goddess," "Jalama," "Girl Of The Southern Sky," and "Where The Rain Shines" you will become a Binney fan and probably actively seek out all of his work. The musicians on this album are all remarkable, in particular, Edward Simon on piano, Donny McCaslin on tenor saxophone, Adam Rogers on classical guitar, Scott Colley on bass, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums to name a few. If you dig this record then I suggest picking up "Oceanos," "Afinidad," "South," "Welcome To Life," and Joel Harrison's "Harbor." All are excellent. This is a good place to start exploring the work of master musician.

Editorial Reviews
Richard B. Kamins, Cadence, February 1999
"Free to Dream has plenty to recommend it to discriminating listeners. The ballads are subtle, the melodies coherent, the arrangements intelligent...David Binney & company have created a gentle aural oasis."
Product Description
All original music by highly acclaimed alto saxophonist/composer David Binney. It expands on the ideas presented on his excellent Audioquest Music release The Luxury of Guessing (also available on Amazon) and features some of New York City's top young musicians: Donny McCaslin, tenor saxophone; Edward Simon, piano; Adam Rogers, classical guitar; Scott Colley, bass; Jeff Hirshfield, drums; Kenny Wollesen and Daniel Sadownick, percussion; Alex Sipiagin, fluglehorn and trumpet; Clark Gayton, trombone; Jamie Baum, flute and alto flute and Doug Yates, bass clarinet.
Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars - I'm Stunned, March 1, 2002
By: Jan P. Dennis "Longboard jazzer" (Monument, CO USA)
Can someone tell me what's going on here? I believe I have purchased the extent of the Mythology label's offerings (three in all), and each one of them is some kind of unique jazz treasure. Hear me out on this: David Binney's Free to Dream stakes out some kind of ur-jazz territory previously unclaimed.
Who'd've thunk it? Dave Binney? That obscure alto player with the--let's not mince words--highly problematic outing, Luxury of Guessing, on perhaps one of the world's most obscure jazz labels, Audioquest, coming up with sheer beauty, musical transcendence, and absolutely brilliant conceptualization, composition, and playing on this invisible label, Mythology? Talk about out of left field!!
Look, if you're a jazz fan, do me a favor: Buy this disc. I warrant, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Everything works here: Ravishingly beautiful melodies perfectly contextualized in rich yet deceptively simple instrumental settings; sophisticated yet completely accesible harmonic and tonal colorations; delicately nuanced performances from some of the top jazz practioners on the scene today; and arrangements specifically designed to showcase each performer's strengths without degenerating into mere virtuosity.
If you buy this album and don't like it, I'll personally refund your money.
5.0 out of 5 stars - Breathtaking, December 21, 2007
By: D. Lee (Boston, MA)
There is a pool of very deep creative and complexly articulate musical artists that has converged in New York. Individually, they are the young voice that will prove to be responsible for defining the language of jazz. Donny McCaslin, Edward Simon, Adam Rogers, Scott Colley, Jeff Hirschfield, Kenny Wollesen to name a token few, and together they, as a part of a larger gathering on this recording make something rare: Beautifully satisfying music.
At the center is Dave Binney, whose music I am constantly amazed by for its elegant vituosity and fearless eloquence. As the leader he has created a collection of moods in 11 compositions, over an hour's worth of singular jems, each one revealing the voices of the individual.
I listen to this CD a lot and there's always something to learn from; always something waiting to be discovered.
Hidden treasure.
5.0 out of 5 stars - One Of Binney's Best, June 14, 2008
By: J. Rich
Alto saxophonist has been making a name for himself for the last 13 years as not only a gifted improviser, but also as a remarkable composer.
On "Free To Dream" Binney is joined by a stellar group of musicians: Donny McCaslin (tenor saxophone); Jamie Baum (flute, alto flute); Doug Yates (bass clarinet); Alex Sipiagin (trumpet, flugelhorn); Clark Gayton (trombone); Edward Simon (piano); Adam Rogers (classical guitar); Scott Colley (bass); Jeff Hirshfield (drums); Daniel Sadownick, Kenny Wollesen (percussion). All of these musicians help define this beautiful record. They all also seem to be tuned into the music and provide Binney's compositions and arrangments with the attention and grace they deserve.
The music is truly outstanding. One highlight for me that gave me the impression that I have stumbled onto something really special was the song "Girl Of The Southern Sky." This song alone is worth the price of the whole album.
If you are new to Binney you might want to try "South" first and then move to this one. This one requires 100% of your attention and you don't want to miss a note. Highly recommended!
4.0 out of 5 stars - mostly uplifting; meditative reverie, March 10, 2008
By: hanyi ishtouk (Budapest, Hungary)
While David Binney was by no means a newbie (band Lost Tribe, Lan Xang) when producing the present record, "Free to Dream" can nonetheless be categorized as a debut in a sense -- with sequels like "South" (2001, ACTMusic) & "Welcome to Life" (2004, MythologyRecords). For this one, he gathered a bunch of talented young musicians in a jazz combo enhanced by a modest brass section to conjure up postbop, world music tinged acoustic programme music.
A taint of repetitiveness and at times sterile sound notwithstanding, the overall impression is quite engaging; though pianist Edward Simon is playing below his abilities as can be evinced in his unimaginitive solos, especially on tracks 1 & 5. On a more positive note, the listener may discover certain melodic parallels to the soundscape of composer-arranger Vince Mendoza's big band CD called "Sketches" (1994, ACT-Blue Jackel).
In case of being unacquainted with Binney's art, buying this piece for a bargain of 10 bux together with the above mentioned "South" seems ideal. This latter set is really a quantum leap thanks to the intriguing compositions, odd-metre, and a lot more muscular performance & vibe; in addition to the change in the line-up with Chris Potter on t. sax, pianist Uri Caine, Adam Rogers switching chiefly to electric guitar and delivering some knockout chops & harmonic sequences, and last but not least with drummer Brian Blade, whose contribution is utter poesy even to my untrained ears.

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Path: ...\David Binney (with Adam Rogers, Jeff Hirshfield, Kenny Wolleson etc) - Free to Dream 1998(FLAC)
01 -=- 01 Goddess.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
02 -=- 02 Jalama.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
03 -=- 03 Oddman.flac -=- CDDA (99%)
04 -=- 04 One year ago.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
05 -=- 05 Girl of the southern sky.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
06 -=- 06 Voice of reason.flac -=- CDDA (99%)
07 -=- 07 The Mondello line.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
08 -=- 08 Where the rain shines.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
09 -=- 09 Free to dream.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
10 -=- 10 I lie waiting.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
11 -=- 11 Sea of allurement.flac -=- CDDA (100%)
Summary 99.82% CDDA
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