Monday, December 9, 2013

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Breath Of God On The Devil`s Horn

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Breath Of God On The Devil`s Horn:      The history of the saxophone, with its sultry sound has been labeled by some as the devil`s horn. If the saxophone is the devil`s horn,...

Breath Of God On The Devil`s Horn

     The history of the saxophone, with its sultry sound has been labeled by some as the devil`s horn. If the saxophone is the devil`s horn, saxophonist Darron McKinney has rehabilitated and transformed the saxophone into the "Breath Of God".  Breath Of God is saxophonist Darron McKinney`s latest project and recording.

     Saxophonist Darron McKinney is a retired Wayne County Deputy Sheriff from Detroit, MI. Darron "The Sheriff" McKinney studied saxophone and music with the legendary Alvin Batiste at Southern University, in Baton Rouge, LA. Darron McKinney has shared the stage with Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, Waymen Tisdale, and many others, just to name a few.

     As a musician I have had the joy and opportunity of hearing Darron McKinney in performance on stage, and on the alter, and he does not disappoint. On his latest recording, again, McKinney does not disappoint. Breath Of God is spirit filled with gospel recordings you are sure to enjoy. Marvin Sapp`s "The Best In Me" features Darron McKinney playing soprano saxophone, with wonderful vocals you will adore. "Blessed" is an instrumental that displays McKinney`s adroit artistry on soprano. I must say my favorite is "The Breath Of God" with Darron playing tenor sax. Of course, McKinney`s playing is skillful, but the singing is also beautifully done. At the end of "The Breath Of God" Darron McKinney switches to soprano, and gives a hint to the title at the end.

     I greatly recommend this CD. Breath Of God is a gospel CD, but if you are a jazz lover you will be impress with Darron McKinney`s artistic saxophone playing; he`s the real deal! Besides, listening to Darron McKinney play the devil`s horn could motivate you to seek Heaven.