(The Jazz Hut)

Tenor saxman Michael Pedicin has a deliciously, sweet sound on the horn. This component of his sound is the focus of Ballads, his newest release. His sound was no doubt honed in part by his years of touring with jazz greats Dave Brubeck and Maynard Ferguson. Every song on the project is a lucious, ear-pleasing experience that can’t help but encompass the listener. This fantastic recording is aided by the talents of Barry Miles on piano, John Valentino on guitar, Dean Schneider on piano, Barry Shomo on drums and Andy Lalasis on bass. The menu here is selected tunes from Hank Mobley, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter and Don Roye, along with nicely written pieces by Pedicin and Valentino. This is one really worth hearing.