Maria Grand is a saxophonist, composer, and educator that was born in Switzerland. Upon her moving to New York in 2011, she became the protégée of legendary musicians such as: Billy Harper, and Antoine Roney, as well as NEA Jazz Master Von Freeman. Because of this unique experience in just a few short years Grand became a sought-after player with a unique approach to her instrument. Grand has released her first opus TetraWind and was awarded one of three of the 2017 Jazz Gallery Commission Residencies, along with young masters Adam O’Farrill and Joel Ross. The players on TetraWind are Grand – tenor saxophone and voice on tracks 2,3, and 4, Román Filiú – alto saxophone (tracks 2,3,4), flute (track 1), David Bryant – keyboards, Rashaan Carter – electric bass and Craig Weinrib – drums. The EP contains four tracks that feature creative compositions, improvisations, group improvisations and a inimitable approach to the jazz idiom that is fresh and creative. That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Interesting use of the human voice within the jazz ensemble, prodigious saxophone playing by Grand and Filiú. This is something different in the world of jazz and it’s a nice breath of fresh air.
Bottom Line:
Grand’s music covers many styles and grooves within this short EP. The music is structured in a way that allows each player to contribute their own unique voice to the music. The group improvisations are excellent, and the overall flow is stimulating and enjoyable to listen to. Though taken under wing by such heavy hitting players as Harper and Rooney, Grand has emerged with her own voice on the saxophone. Her creativity is boundless as well as her choices musically.