About
Aleksander Paal takes a three-chorus alto saxophone solo on Bronislaw Kaper's "Invitation," which closes Holger Marjamaa's 2019 album Mostly Standards with high-energy swing. The demanding 48-bar ABA' form in C minor at a brisk 252 BPM requires both rhythmic intensity and harmonic sophistication, and Paal navigates the challenging chord changes with impressive fluency. His bright, cutting alto tone contrasts effectively with Marjamaa's more harmonically dense piano sound, and as the first of two soloists, Paal establishes the performance's fierce improvisational energy. The presence of a guest saxophonist adds a new voice to an album otherwise dominated by Marjamaa's piano, and Paal makes the most of the opportunity with a commanding, extended improvisation.
Aleksander Paal was 29 to 30 years old at the time.
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