Sax Pax for a Sax

Critical reception

The album was well received by the public and in 1998 peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Albums. Entertainment Weekly magazine said the album was a "hypnotic blend of jazz and classical music," and gave it a B.

The music critic David D. Duncan says that the album "sounds like a nostalgic big band on laughing gas."

Another music critic Ian Koss said that the "music on Sax Pax for a Sax is bold assertive-even at its most demure the saxophone can't help its brassy nature-powerful without losing grace." He also explains "Increasingly larger groups of saxophones interplay in melodies that weave through kettledrum pillars in a way that is equal parts Philip Glass and Paul McCartney."

A review by John Murph for "JazzTimes" said "A stargazing composer, Moondog's penchant for crafting accessible, yet utterly otherworldly melodies bridges European classical forms with American jazz sensibilities."

Track Listing

1. Dog Trot
2. Paris
3. Lament 1
4. Sandalwood
5. Mov. 1
6. Mov.2
7. Mov.3
8. D for Danny
9. New Amsterdam
10. To a Sea Horse
11. Fiesta
12. Mov. 1
13. Mov.2
14. Mov.3
15. Single Foot
16. Mothers Whistler
17. Present for the Prez.
18. Shakespeare City
19. Golden Fleece
20. Hymn to Peace
21. EEC Lied

Personnel

The album features Moondog on the bass drum, Tim Redpath and Bradley Grant of the soprano sax, Rob Buckland, Bradley Grant and Simon Haram on the alto sax, Rob Buckland, Gareth Brady, and Andy Scott on the tenor sax, Jon Rebbeck and Chris Caldwell on the baritone sax, and Will Gregory on the bass sax. There are nine total saxophonists on this album and some songs will feature anywhere from just four of them to all nine. There are also other instruments and musicians featured such as Danny Thompson on the contra bass, Liam Noble on the piano, and Paul Clarvis on the snare drum.