Luis Alas: High Life

Alto saxist Luis Alas sounds like he’s trying to be the reed version of Teddy Pendergast, playing his bel canto horn around seductive soulful originals with his team of Edard Menifee/key, Marcus William/dr, Deshone William/perc, Kevin Walker/g and Myron Carroll/b. The album is loaded with deep grooves, with Carroll’s thumb working overtime as Alas sears through the danceable “Sax You Up” and struts around him on the upbeat “Breaking Out”. 70’s VSOP is mellow and luscious on “Silky Smooth” and Alas is hipper than hep for “Sunny Side”. This guy is taking a ride on the soul train!