Jef Brown is indeed a multi-talented player. He has performed and recorded electric guitar and repaired countless tube amplifiers. But he is, to me, among the best tenor saxophone players in Portland. Sure, he breezed through a minimalistic, semi improvisational set including acoustic guitar, soprano saxophone and tape delay, although he did this in a fluid piece lasting almost 50 minutes, I choose this saxophone solo for its undeniability.

Like Coltrane, his flubs and mistakes are little gems shattering with gravity upon a marble floor.  And like all great band leaders (the Evolutionary Jass Band), he brings something sacred to the table: patience and cooperation. It comes off in the music.