Home » Jazz Musicians » Court Mast

Court Mast

Court Mast

Jazz composer/cornetist Court Mast - Sausalito Summer

Sausalito Summer, the CD released in August, 2008 by Sausalito jazz composer and cornetist Court Mast is, as one might suppose, a musical love letter to that colorful, cozy, delightful town snuggled onto the shore of San Francisco Bay just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. And like the town itself, Sausalito Summer is in turns soothing, funky and festive, with a steady stream of sea breeze to clear the mind. The recording is a lyrical, spirited delight, built for comfort but laced, as well, with stirring moments and happy musical surprises.

The captivating joie de vivre and musical excellence of Sausalito Summer was highlighted immediately by the critical response to the CD. Jazz radio reacted quickly and approvingly, as Sausalito Summer, a mere two months after its release, was being featured on over 120 radio stations and online jazz sources across the U.S. Since then, the recording has held its own, and its spot on those play lists, quite nicely.

Reviewers have been equally enthused. Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal said, “The CD sparkles with waterfront-inspired tracks." And Rotcod Zzaj of IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation wrote, “If you're looking for an album that allows you to kick back and groove, Court's magic cornet/trumpet will do it all for you, no doubt.”

This musical salute to Sausalito represents an entirely appropriate return to the jazz spotlight for Mast, who, after all, helps maintain one of the town’s most endearing traditions: he lives on a houseboat in Sausalito Harbor. The recording consists entirely of Mast’s original compositions, and you can feel the wind off the water and the sun on your face as you listen to his music.

Listen to tracks like the lovely ballad, “Marling Song,” with its three-way conversation between Mast’s clarion cornet work, Tim Wallace’s flute airs and Sam Grobe-Heintz’s delightful piano work, all caressed by a string trio. It adds up to the telling of a light, exquisite story. Or “Bridgeway,” a capering stroll, evocative of the scenic Sausalito promenade from which it gets its name and highlighted by Scott Petersen’s playful sax solo. Or the exotic “Water Street,” with its late night mysteries and churning street-life backbeat, pushed by Grobe-Heintz’s rippling piano.

A composer’s showcase marked by musical virtuosity

While Sausalito Summer might safely be called a composer and arranger’s showcase, instrumental excellence has certainly not been sacrificed. Along with Mast’s own sterling cornet work, he’s recruited a fine roster of performers. For example, saxophonist Petersen helps drive the powerful Mike Vax Jazz Orchestra, pianist Grobe-Heintz is a young veteran of Andrew Speight’s dynamic band and guitarist Dave Bell plays frequently with swing icon Dan Hicks.

Read more

Tags

208
Album Review

Court Mast: Sausalito Summer

Read "Sausalito Summer" reviewed by Jakob Baekgaard


There comes a time in life when experience makes it possible for a musician to make a special kind of album, an album that sums up a career while still adding new colors to the musical palette. This is the kind of album that cornet player Court Mast has made with Sausalito Summer, which takes in diverse influences from Brazilian music, light funk, fusion, post-bop and pop, mixing it all together into a homogenous artistic expression.

It has ...

Read more articles
It was a pleasure listening to your CD. You are an excellent trumpet player, composer and arranger. I especially enjoyed the sequencing of the compositions. It really brought dynamics and flow to the CD. Obviously you've spent a lot of time perfecting your craft. I wish you all the best, and I'm looking forward to hearing your next project. Sincerely, Eddie Henderson -- Eddie Henderson, jazz trumpeter

Influenced by Henry Mancini, Chuck Mangione and Steely Dan, the [Sausalito Summer] sparkles with waterfront-inspired tracks like "Water Street," "Jib Jive," "Gold Coast," "Sailing Home" and "West Wind"... -- Paul Liberatore, Marin Independent Journal

Read more

Music

Similar

Steely Dan
band / ensemble / orchestra
Earl Klugh
guitar, acoustic
Henry Mancini
composer / conductor
The Rippingtons
band / ensemble / orchestra
Fourplay
band / ensemble / orchestra

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.