Discography

Bob Mover's first session as a leader matches his alto and soprano with trumpeter Tom Harrell, pianist Mike Nock, guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist George Mraz, drummer Jeff Pappez and singer Jay Clayton on four lengthy performances: three Mover originals and "Darn That Dream." The use of Clayton's voice as a part of the ensembles gives the band an unusual sound. Mover sounded pretty strong, if a bit derivative at this point (he was 24), but Harrell generally takes solo honors.

​

Review by Scott Yanow

Altoist Bob Mover, who originally sounded quite a bit like Lee Konitz, fully displays his individuality on this passionate trio set. Accompanied by bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Bobby Ward, Mover is free to be as explorative as he likes on the high-quality material which includes two originals, a pair of ballads, "Poinciana," and Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." This is one of Mover's finest recordings to date.

​

Review by Scott Yanow

When one considers the instrumentation (alto, piano and guitar) and the personnel (Bob Mover, Paul Bley and John Abercrombie), it is not surprising that this date is full of thoughtful, chance-taking and often lyrical improvisations. Most of the selections are either duets or unaccompanied solos, and although there are some melodies, the music was pretty much all improvised on the spot. An intriguing set.

​

Review by Scott Yanow

Television is a hard bop music live album recording by BOB MOVER released in 1997 on CD, LP/Vinyl and/or cassette.

Jazz saxophone veteran Bob Mover has put together a very satisfying two-disc release, My Heart Tell Me, with both swinging instrumentals and his very effective, unadorned vocals.

​

Review by Larry Taylor

Bob Mover and pianist Tony Castellano began playing together in Miami in 1968, when Bob was 16. In fact, Bob considers Tony to have been an important mentor during his growth as a jazz musician. Their friendship and musical camaraderie continued, including gigs in New York and several tours of Europe, until Mr. Castellano's untimely death in 1999, a year after these recordings were made, at the age of 64Both Tony and Bob were strongly influenced by playing with Ira Sullivan and by Tony's twin brother Dolph, who is also a great pianist (featured on another Soul Kid Jazz release, SKJ-3269). One might term this duo to be what is called tunesmiths, based on their shared affinity for truly beautiful, yet neglected songs, which is reflected in their choice of material for "One Soul". The dynamic range of the music goes from a quiet whisper to a thunderous storm, with all the passion and intelligent taste that two masters of their craft can produce. This session was recorded on a snowy night in December, 1998 by master engineer Patrick Lo Re in Manhattan, New York City at his One Soul Studios on E. 31st Street. The magnificent Centennial Steinway D piano purchased for the studio had just arrived the day before so this was the first time that this refurbished Vintage Steinway had been played. Along with Castellano's beautiful playing there is the added treat of having an instrument like this recorded by Mr. Lore. An engineer who truly understands the subtleties involved in the recording of Acoustic Music. Notably Lol Re successfully captures the real warmth of both Castellano's delicate touch and the organic breathiness of Mover's saxophone tone. I am sure all listeners will agree that "One Soul" is a true manifestation of two masters of jazz, coming together to form something exquisite, passionate and beautiful.

Bob Mover was very strongly influenced by Lee Konitz at this point in time. Doubling on alto and soprano, he does play quite well on a variety of standards, including "We'll Be Together Again" and "Milestones." The supporting cast is quite strong (trumpeter Claudio Roditi, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ron McClure, drummer Ben Riley and percussionist Rafael Cruz), and overall, this is a fine hard bop set (not yet reissued on CD) that was a solid step forward for the saxophonist.

​

Review by Scott Yanow

One selection on this album is a song leftover from Mover's Xanadu debut In the True Tradition; the altoist is heard jamming with bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Bobby Ward on "Jimmy Garrison's Blues" Otherwise this album mostly features Mover with pianist Albert Dailey, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Ward on a variety of standards. Tenor-saxophonist Steve Hall sits in on "Twardzik" during which Mover switches to soprano. A highpoint on the album is the duet between Dailey and Mover on a lengthy rendition of "Yesterdays." Overall this set offers high-quality modern bebop.

​

Review by Scott Yanow

Ira Sullivan and Lee Konitz- influenced altoist Bob Mover recorded this hard bop session for the Japanese Pony Canyon label's Jazz City series. Since then, Germany's Bellaphon has reissued the album for distribution in Europe, with limited distribution in the U.S. Mover is joined by an all-star rhythm section of Benny Green on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, and Victor Lewis on drums, with tenor sax man Steve Hall present on four of the tracks. Listeners get the full treatment of bop sax playing. Kicking off with a medium-to-uptempo, foot-tapping version of "You Go to My Head" followed by a soft, raspy rendering of the title tune. Benny Green's sensitive touch on piano provides an appropriate backdrop for Mover's sax. Tenderness once more comes to the fore on "I Fall in Love too Easily" followed by a less than a minute romp with "Gallop's Gallop," with Steve Hall making one of his appearances. "Concerto for Albert" honors pianist Albert Dailey, with whom Mover has recorded. Benny Green obviously plays a leading role. Everyone has a lot of fun with Thelonious Monk's quirky "Off Minor," including Mover, who quotes a few bars from "Pennies from Heaven." "Blues for the Road" becomes a '50s-type blowing session with a go-around of trading fours among Mover's alto, Hall's tenor, and Lewis' drums. The session ends with a gentle exposition of the Johnny Mercer/Johnny Mandel "Emily," again with Benny Green playing the major support role. Here Mover gives a nod toward the Phil Woods approach to the alto. The limited U.S. distribution is unfortunate; hopefully another record label will pick up this album for reissue.

​

Review by Dave Nathan

Bob Mover has recorded sporadically as a leader since the late 1970s, but this pair of 2006 sessions features him in an ideal setting, playing both alto and tenor saxes, while also adding a few friendly vocals. He is backed by a top-notch rhythm section, including pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Dennis Irwin (who lost his battle with cancer in early 2008), and drummer Steve Williams. On alto sax, Mover is reminiscent of Phil Woods in the swinging treatment of "How Little We Know," an infrequently performed gem by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer; he captures the subtlety of "The Underdog" (penned by Al Cohn and Dave Frishberg), while his hushed, deep vocal in "Stairway to the Stars" proves him to be an effective crooner, with superb background by Barron, who is noted for his work with singers. Canadian guitarist Reg Schwager is a guest on several tracks, among them the unusually relaxed setting of "Sometime Ago" and a jaunty rendition of "People Will Say We're in Love." Guest tenor saxophonist Igor Butman appears on the sole original, the snappy bop vehicle "Erkin."

​

Review by Ken Dryden

Ambo Unit with Bob Mover Toru Ambo, in Japan!

Emilie Mover Sings Peggy Lee”

 w. Ehud Asherie m, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Cohn, Saul Rubin, Jimmy Wormworth ( C.D. Baby, Download Only)