Shadow Puppets

Posted by: Anna Tooth on 22 March 2004

The Naim Label is pleased to welcome Jim Gailloreto’s Split Decision and their album "Shadow Puppets" into its ever increasing catalogue of new and exciting music.

Jim plays tenor and soprano sax, and is accompanied on Shadow Puppets by Laurence Hobgood on Rhodes piano, Larry Kohut on double bass and Eric Montzka on drums and percussion.

Jim’s rich smooth tones and thought provoking yet accessible improvisations are newcomers to The Naim Label, although Jim is no stranger to making wonderful and critically acclaimed albums. He played recently on Kurt Elling’s Grammy nominated disc “Man In The Air”

Much of Shadow Puppets are tunes that were transcribed originally from a session of total improvisation that Jim did with Chicago drummer Jeff Stitley. Jim made a preliminary recording, which he then listened to in close detail. He noted down which parts of the improvisation worked and caught his ear and worked on these bits, nourishing and tending them until he had the music which makes up the debut album for his group, Split Decision.

Jim’s cohorts on this album have their own musical pedigree; Laurence Hobgood needs no real introduction to fans of The Naim Label, being part of Union (cd015 and cd038) and also having recorded a solo disc for us (cd049). Larry Kohut adds a very strong presence on acoustic bass, having learned his technique playing with the likes of Randy Brecker, Larry Coryell, Ryan Schultz and John McLean. Eric Schultz is long time drummer with Patricia Barber, having appeared on most of her recent albums.

Shadow Puppets is a True Stereo recording by Ken Christianson. It was recorded in Gantz Hall at Roosevelt University, Chicago using a Nagra tape machine and two stereo microphone.

You can listen to a track from the album here:

listen to a track

and buy a copy of the album here!:

buy a copy of Split Decision

Anna
Posted on: 22 March 2004 by fred simon
I give this music my highest recommendation ... but then, they are all musical buddies of mine (Jim has played and recorded with me for almost 15 years). Nevertheless, I would recommend it even if they weren't.