Having such a strong presence on the New Orleans music scene and beyond, it comes as a surprise that Start It! stands as Jason Mindgledorff’s debut release as leader. The saxophonist and composer, a native of Alabama who moved to the Crescent City in 1995, might be best recognized as a member of the New Orleans Nightcrawlwers or perhaps his time spent with Papa Grows Funk. His resume, however, is vast and includes being heard on the legendary sax man Maceo Parker’s latest album.
Mingledorff’s versatility carries through on Start It! that boasts nine originals coming from his creative pen. This talent as well as his ability to move in various directions on his horn has been realized throughout his career.
Jason Mingledorff knows the importance of a melodic hook that brings a listener back to the heart of a song as heard on the album’s self-titled opening cut. It’s a groove of a tune on which guitarist Brian Seeger gets the nod to take the first solo. One can always expect the unexpected from Seeger, a brilliant musician with wonderfully quirky ways. Mingledorff picks up on the progressive vibe and blows out.
Bebop is next up on “Off Balance” and “Dunce (Blues in the Corner)” the latter putting the spotlight on pianist Joe Ashlar’s bluesy abilities and the saxophonists honkin’.
Two tunes on the lighter, more romantic side are “Closer Than You Think” and “Morning Fade” on which drummer Doug Garrison, with the help of bassist Ed Wise, suggests a Latin tinge. Funk is also in the house on “Round Down” with romance evolving into another bopper on “Remind Me Tomorrow.”
It’s odd though, but not at all a problem, that the release ends on the only selection not composed by Mingledorff, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).” The tune was inspired by the late great Antonio Carlos Jobim. Dig the musical conversation between the sax and the piano and later with the guitar.
It has taken a while for Jason Mingledorff to rev up before releasing his debut album. Start It! gets this aspect of his career rollin’ with his musical expertise and experience in the driver’s seat.
