Medicine Man (2/08) Press/Reviews
Origin/OA2 Records & City Hall Records Catalog - "A mainstay in Philadelphia jazz clubs for over a decade, composer and tenor saxophonist Tom Tallitsch presents the first recording of his quintet - a forward looking yet mainstream grouping of some of Philly's finest musicians. Performing articulate, modern jazz, Tallitsch's band explores alternate sonorities with its vibes and guitar led rhythm section, slightly reminiscent of Gary Burton's groups of the '70s. With Tony Miceli (vibraphone), Victor Baker (guitar), Paul Gehman (bass) and Dan Monaghan (drums)."
JazzTimes July/Aug 2008 Forrest Dylan Bryant "Expanding from a duo setting to a quintet for his sophomore CD release, Tom Tallitsch offers up pleasant, unassuming original compositions that keep the proceedings casual but agreeably propulsive. With Tony Miceli's brisk vibraphone and Victor Baker's uncluttered guitar supporting his throaty tenor saxophone tone, Tallitsch's band frequently takes on an airy, levitating quality. But there's a surging intensity at work too, as crosshatched layers create a complex, filigreed sound against the leader's undulating solo threads. "
Philadelphia Enquirer Karl Stark 3/9/08 " After 12 years in Philly, tenor saxophonist Tom Tallitsch can meet the demands for what a tenor should sound like..." Read More
AllAboutJazz John Barron 2/19/08 "...With Medicine Man Tallitsch demonstrates his potential to stand above the innumerable tenor saxophone sound-a-likes plaguing the jazz scene. With the aid of his like-minded musical brothers, he has produced a clever, stimulating session."
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Tom Hull - Jazz Consumer Guide for The Village Voice NY 3/3/08 "... The band generates a lot of forward momentum, which serves the saxophonist well. Mainstream sax, straightforward, solid. B+(*)" Read More
eJazzNews - 1/26/08 John Gilbert "...It is apparent that these musicians are of the highest quality in the message they are presenting. 4 Stars "
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All Music Guide - Adam Greenberg 3/3/08 "...A nice sophomore set from Philadelphia area saxman Tom Tallitsch, Medicine Man casually grooves its way through a series of original compositions while making full use of the accompanying band..." Read More
Duality (11/05) Press/Reviews
Cadence Magazine - Jim Santella October 2006 Page.123
"Tenor saxophone and guitar: the blend comes with built-in spaces and a wide tonal range that
centers on melody. The duo of Tom Tallitsch and Dave Manley ensures that each interpretation contains
warmth, reflective asides, and a gentle attack..." Read More
eJazzNews 4 Stars 1/25/06 John Gilbert "An intimate mood is set by this combination of tenor Sax and guitar and it works nicely..." Read More
Jazzreview.com / eJazzNews.com - Keith 'MuzikMan' Hannaleck 12/13/05
"Tom Tallitsch keeps things on an even keel and uncomplicated with his new CD Duality. The only instruments that you hear on the entire recording are the tenor saxophone of Tallitsch and the acoustic guitar of Dave Manley. Thus, the title Duality sums up what this album is." Read More
FLY Magazine — Wyl Menmuir 2/26/06
"More Please..." Read More
The Muse's Muse 1/28/06 - Chip Woothrow "Duality has become one of my most listened-to discs..." Read More
Aural Fix Magazine Geoffrey Armes 2/06
"A first release from the New Jersey based saxophonist this one, it documents his duo work with guitarist Dave Manley via a collection of eight (mostly Tallitsch penned) tunes. Unlike some other tenors, Tallitsch is in search of sweet melodic adventure. Flurried riffing and hyperbolic rants run under the guise of ‘passion’ are firmly rejected in favour of seeking a natural confluence with the probing harmonies that well from the fretboard of Manley’s guitar. Their sound is breathy and intimate, clearly this duo have played together.., a lot. Never predictable, but always organised and logical, you won’t frighten your mother by putting this on at dinner time, neither will your younger siblings oh so hipper than thou friends sneer and jeer. Listen and order at http://www.tomtallitsch.com. Tom, this is great, intimate playing, you evoke the best qualities of chamber jazz with your high standard of musicianship and committed blowing."
Rick VanMatre 1/06
University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM) - Professor and Director of Jazz Studies - Saxophone
"A truly unique tenor sound and phrasing... fresh ideas and great tunes."
PhillyJazz.Org 12/05
"Saxman Tallitsch and Guitarist Dave Manley show what you can do with only two".
La Otra Musica, FM80 J.L. Bueno -Cadiz, Spain 1/06
"A great work, very interesting project..."
