David S. Ware

Recorded live in concert at the Abrons Arts Center, NYC on October 15, 2009, Saturnian documents master saxophonist David S. Ware's triumphant return to performance following his kidney transplant in May 2009. This performance prompted features in The New York Times and on NBC Nightly News.
Ware, in full peak of form, performed three extended pieces, each one on a different horn. "Methone" is on the saxello and "Pallene" features the stritch.  David has played these lesser-known members of the saxophone family for many decades and recorded with them in the late 80s, but this was the first time he has performed with them both live on stage. The final piece, "Anthe" is performed on his main axe, the tenor sax.

“To perform solo saxophone is who I have always been,” writes Ware in the liner notes. “This is the way I’ve practiced all of these years, as though I am performing a solo. It is just as satisfying as playing in any other context. The freedom allows you to witness and solidify what is passing through. There’s a voice inside each saxophone, expressing different orders of Being. When you listen, learn to open your third ear. Listen for the voice inside the music. It will expand who you think you are.”

Listening to this recording of profound solo performances, we decided to put it out as soon as possible. 2009 was David’s 50th year of playing saxophone (he started at age 10 and never stopped!) and we planned to celebrate that auspicious fact with a new saxophone-focused trio session featuring him on all his horns. The studio was booked and the record was scheduled for a Fall 2009 release, but, of course, the universe had other plans. When David was well enough to perform again, he wanted to present a solo concert, returning to that idea of celebrating his anniversary by playing all three saxophones. That concert is Saturnian. I am further very happy to report that the special celebratory trio session we had planned did finally take place in early December 2009. It was everything we hoped for and then some. The resultant album shall be released in late 2010 and will, along with Saturnian, help celebrate David’s 51st year of playing saxophone! –SJ