One of the frequently repeated ways to describe Riley is “What a special tone he has! Dark and dry with a lot of subtones. And very creative playing” (JJ – Sax on the web).
It absolutely tells us how he sounds but another aspect of Riley’s uniqueness is in the way he treats his material (from the classic jazz standards and the Great American Songbook) in his – almost trademark – piano-less settings. Following the highly rated previous release SCCD 31882 Oleo by the two-horn quartet (sax and trumpet - Joe Magnarelli) Riley this time has invited the award-winning cornetist Kirk Knuffke to front the quartet.
“… Riley and Magnarelli who, while tied to the bebop tradition, in this setting do not feel compelled to stick to it. Their fresh ideas and sly song quotes invigorate such tunes as “Doxy,” “St. Thomas,” “Ornithology,” and John Coltrane’s “Lazy Bird.” … Oleo is easily recommended .. ”
(Scott Yanow – Los Angeles Jazz Scene on SCCD 31882)
“Riley is a singular talent, not least for his twists on the standard repertory, and this is well up to scratch.” (Ronald Atkins – Jazz Journal on SCCD 31850 Hold ‘Em Joe)
