Saxophonist Sam Burckhardt soars with with blues and jazz on new album

It is intoxicating to hear a jazz veteran cut loose, lost in the groove of his passion for the music. On his latest album Fly Over, saxophonist/vocalist Sam Burckhardt jams with the youthful exuberance of a new kid on the block. However, the emotional depth and technical skill of his performances could only emanate from a musician who has spent substantial time in the field. Combining jazz and blues, these are sounds from the soul. Fly Over is a consistently engaging blast of scorching rhythms and unpretentious fun.

Burckhardt’s cover of Bobby Troup’s immortal “Route 66” retains the locomotive rush of the original but his explosive, soaring tenor sax pumps it with new blood. Pete Benson’s Hammond B-3 organ gives it that vintage patina as Beau Sample’s thumping bass makes the wheels turn even faster. Decades later, “Route 66” is still the ultimate traveling song, and Burckhardt leaves his mark with infectious glee.

The chemistry between Burckhardt and his backing band generate one indelible moment after another. On “Early Bird Blues,” Joel Paterson’s crystalline guitar and Benson’s lovely piano complement Burckhardt’s scorching saxophone. “Bird Watching” is among the album’s finest weaving together of blues and jazz as Paterson’s rootsy riffs blends smoothly with Burckhardt’s boisterous sax.

Website:

http://samburckhardt.com