Multi-reedist and Skokie, IL native John Temmerman’s new recording, Live in Evanston – John’s Mixed Bag captures his band in live quartet and quintet performances from 2007 and 2008. “It’s a live recording, which is a first for me… Probably the last,” he says drolly in his characteristic dry manner. “I’ve learned that live recordings are much more involved than studio recordings.”

Live in Evanston-John’s Mixed Bag is an amalgamation of original compositions; jazz classics by Horace Silver (“Sister Sadie“) Eddie Harris (“Freedom Jazz Dance“) Oliver Nelson (“Stolen Moments“); 1960’s pop tunes The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and “Spooky” by The Classics IV and the gospel chestnut “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” “I think there’s more variety in the repertoire for this recording, a combination of inside, outside styles. I also play soprano on three cuts. My last recording was tenor only.” says Temmerman.

The recording recalls the classic “Blue Note” recording on the 1960’s and features Temmerman on tenor and soprano sax; guitarist Neal Alger; bassist Steven Hashimoto; drummers Rusty Jones and Steve Magnone; and trumpeter Steve Thomas on “Sister Sadie” and “Blue Moon.”

Temmerman features four original compositions on Live in Evanston – John’s Mixed Bag. “Plan B Downsized” is a streamlined version of the composition originally featured on his first CD, The Power Of Two. “I cut the song form in half but it still has the same elements. The piece was an idea that had been floating around my head since the mid-70’s, but it was not until the late 90’s that I had the chops to play what I was hearing in my head.”

Temmerman’s Live in Evanston – John’s Mixed Bag is a swinging, exuberant and solid recording that exhibits why mainstream jazz prevails in spite of fads, the economics of the recording industry and the loss of many of its originators.

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