First Flight (Mod)

Recorded in July 1976 at Sage & Sound, "First Flight" by the Don Menza Quartet is a testament to Menza's status as one of jazz's most underrated talents, often compared to legends like Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, and Sonny Stitt. This album showcases Menza's mastery not only on tenor saxophone but also soprano saxophone and jazz flute across these seven wonderful tracks, five of which he composed himself. Remastered and reissued for 2024 with Catalyst Records, the quartet features the inventive and lyrical trombonist Frank Rosolino on six of the tracks, highlighting their dynamic collaboration forged during their extensive performances on the West Coast and European tours with Supersax. "First Flight" delivers vigorous, Latin-tinged jazz that solidifies Menza's place in the pantheon of jazz greats, celebrating his journey from New York-born beginnings to his influential California-based career.