June CD of the Month | Max Wagner- “Gratitude”

The Front Range of Colorado is fortunate to have one of the most talented and diverse communities of musicians of the US. Moreover, musicians from other areas of the nation comment on the comradery of our musicians, a not so common occurrence. Our June CD of the Month is by a very esteemed and versatile member of our family of musicians, Max Wagner. His third release as a leader is the self-produced Gratitude, a showcase for Max’s top notch alto sax playing and his swagger on vocals and scatting. Wagner is joined by the accomplished accompanists Ken Walker-bass and Todd Reid-drums for the entire 11 song set, Eric Gunnison is the pianist for 6 tracks and Jeff Jenkins tickles the ivory for the other 5 songs. Max penned 4 originals for Gratitude, 2 of which are tip of the hats to the great art from of jazz.  One track Chapult-A-Bop is a tribute to Denver’s legendary jazz tavern, El Chapultepec where Max has played countless times over the years, the other pays homage to some of the all-time greats of jazz, a captivating ditty titled That’s What Jazz is. Mr. Wagner wrote a song for his wife too, Karen’s Calypso.

Max maintains a busy itinerary, he not only leads his own group he is only a member of several other groups including the popular Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine. Add to this, he works at the Kolacny Music store in Denver and is also the music director and principle organizer of the annual Estes Park Jazz and Art Walk, for “Max the Sax”, it seems to be all music, all the time! On stage Wagner has an engaging personality with his superb saxophone playing, captivating scatting and humorous personality that features an expansive vocabulary and a knack for making funny puns which only enhances the feel good experience of catching Max live on stage leading his group. Don’t forget to read the liner notes of this CD written by Wagner, his personality comes shining through in his writings as it does when he plays his sax. Karen Wagner works with horses so it’s only fitting that their music label is Appaloosa Jazz Records. When you listen to this recording it will be as pleasant as riding your favorite horse through some beautiful mountain pastures with the breeze blowing, a ride you’ll want to take over and over.