Saxophone Journal Feb 2001

NORTH END SHUFFLE: Ken Gold And Special Grind

by Jim Mair

Ken Gold is a Canadian saxophonist that I have enjoyed listening to for quite a number of years.
Ken grew up in Montreal and attended Concordia and McGill Universities. In 1984 Ken moved
to Winnipeg, Manitoba to teach high school band. In 1994 Ken gave up his high school gig and
began to focus on performance. You can find Ken Gold today, living in Winnipeg and performing
on any given night of the week in a jazz or commercial setting. Ken also maintains a healthy private
studio of fine young saxophonists.

North End Shuffle was recorded in October 1998. Financing for this project came from a grant
allocated by Manitoba Film and Sound and from FACTOR-Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent
On Record. There are nine compositions that make up this disc. Ken's concept for the recording
was to encourage collaboration and creative involvement from all of the participants.

The CD begins with the title track composed by Ken Gold. Bassist Daniel Koulack sets up a catchy
groove and a harmonic progression vaguely reminiscent of Killer Joe. Gold overdubs a full sax section
to expose the melody and blows a well-paced tenor solo. Guitarist Tim Cummings offers a funky solo
tipping his hat at times to Wes Montgomery.

Pianist/trombonist Jeff Presslaff offers three originals to the date. 2 Blue 2 B initially has an ECM feel
to it and then leans towards shades of Miles Davis' mid-sixties combo. Ken delivers a strong, less is
more alto solo. Presslaff shines on piano. Stuff that Turkey is an altered 12 bar blues. Kelly Marques
lays down a New Orleans-esque street beat that is quite a bit faster than Andante. His drum solo work
is very inviting. Jeff Presslaff's third offering is entitled Last Word. This introspective ballad closes out
the disc showcasing Gold's smoky tenor sax and Presslaff's astute harmonic knowledge.

Tim Cummings shares his composition Whadda They Know. This is a very catchy funk tune with some
terrific comping by the composer. Jeff Presslaff plays a rhythmically impressive trombone solo that l
eaves you wanting more. Ken Gold plays a smoldering tenor solo. The horn line is quite hip, but played
a little on the polite side. I would love to hear this tune performed in a nightclub setting where the cats
could stretch.

The Zipper is a burning straight-ahead tune with some Coltrane harmonic movement. Ken's nimble
alto chops are prominent on this selection. Bassist Koulack, drummer Marques and pianist Presslaff
can all be heard to advantage. By way of extreme contrast, Dark Horse features Ken on Madras Flute,
Duduk and Ocarina. Jeff Presslaff performs on Conch Shell and trombone. A lot of different ethnic
influences make this cut a real winner. Speaking of winners, you are sure to enjoy Gold's reworking
or merging of James Brown's Cold Sweat with Charlie Parker's Moose the Mooche. He calls this one
Moose Sweat. The Chomsky Moan is another funky Ken Gold original that exhibits Ken's rich baritone
saxophone sound. This is an enjoyable debut recording by Ken Gold and Special Grind. You'll get a lot
of variety on this 53-minute disc.

Ken Gold has effectively amalgamated the cultural and musical diversity that Winnipeg, Manitoba is
known for. The Winnipeg music scene continues to be in great hands! North End Shuffle is available
through Ken Gold Music in Winnipeg at 204-5829489.