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1956 · Album

The Sax Section

↑ Al Cohn

Recorded 1956 · Epic
The Sax Section

Three Reed Quartets, No Trumpets, All Swing

Cohn leads three separate groups of saxes and reeds over rhythm, getting marvelous results from all-stars and veterans alike.

By 1956, Al Cohn was already a seasoned arranger and bandleader, but The Sax Section (1956) showed a composer working deliberately within constraints. Instead of reaching for the full palette—brass, strings, the works—Cohn built three separate quartets using only saxophones, clarinets, and rhythm. It was a chance to test his writing skills on a smaller stage, and it worked. The restraint forced clarity. Without trumpets and trombones, every reed voice had room to breathe, and Cohn's arrangements made the most of that space. The lineups mixed all-stars with veteran session musicians, a practical blend that kept costs down while maintaining the quality he wanted. Ken Dryden's AllMusic review captured it: "Cohn's writing for small groups is always appealing, and this Epic LP is no exception." It was exactly that—appealing, well-crafted, and unpretentious. Not a landmark recording, but a solid one that proved Cohn understood his instrument and his craft. This sits comfortably in the middle of his career, neither a breakout nor a reinvention, just a bandleader confident enough to explore an idea and follow through on it competently. For listeners curious about Cohn as an arranger rather than a soloist, this is a useful place to start.

Who's playing
Listen next
By Al Cohn
Jazz Alive! A Night at the Half Note 1959
More Bebop
Mozart / Corea 1962
Chick Corea
Recording Info
Track listing
1Shazam2:55
2The Mellow Side2:36
3Shutout2:44
4Double Fracture2:48
5While My Lady Sleeps (Bronisław Kaper, Gus Kahn)3:15
6Shorty George (Count Basie, Andy Gibson)2:50
7The Return of the Red Head3:29
8Villa Rowboats2:23
9Solsville3:24
10Don't Worry 'bout Me (Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler)3:39
11Blues for the High Brow3:54
12Tears by Me Out the Heart4:28
Musicians
Further Reading
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Where next?

More by Al Cohn
Jazz Alive! A Night at the Half Note 1959
The Four Brothers… Together Again! 1957
The Al Cohn Quintet 1956
♫
Al Cohn’s Tones 1956
All 32 albums →
More Bebop
Mozart / Corea 1962
Chick Corea
20/20 1963
George Benson
Doin' Allright 1961
Dexter Gordon
Mingus Three 1957
Hampton Hawes
All 90 Bebop artists →

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