NEWS: Stan Killian, a superb tenor saxophonist in his 40’s originally from Texas who has been established in New York City for 10 years, is now reaching a world class status with this 3rd album on Sunnyside.
“Brooklyn Calling” is captivating for many reasons and Stan Killian is playing with references: The title recalls the historical BBC broadcast “London Calling” and of course the Clash, while the pictures on the album cover remind us of Sonny Rollins’ album “The Bridge” and of his iconic picture in the New York Daily News in front of the Williamsburg Bridge. But it is musically that Stan Killian and the Saxophone Colossus come together. Like Sonny Rollins, Stan Killian is rooted in tradition, with the heritage of Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young or Illinois Jacquet, and he naturally leans towards post-bop modern jazz where his other inspirations are Rollins, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson or Wayne Shorter. This album is the album of maturity. Stan Killian plays here with natural poise and confidence and in perfect symbiosis with his musicians, constantly creating to serve deep compositions, with catchy modern structures and harmonies. “For me, to play modern jazz is not about writing intellectual and difficult music just to be hip, it’s more about playing the most beautiful melodies within a space that gathers all my influences.” Almost an album of protest! – Les Chocs, 08/17/22