Alto saxophonist Steve Slagle expands his discography with this premiere recording featuring his talent on the flute. A project long time coming, he demonstrates that he is not merely a “doubler” on the instrument but rather transcends new levels by exploring a variety of styles from a range of great composers chosen specifically for this project. Starting with Dvorák and his folk melody “Goin’ Home” (written in 1897), next stepping up to Jobim’s most challenging piece, “Luiza”, soldiering on and not slowing down with an energetic rendition of the rarely performed “De Drums” by Keith Jarrett, the collection finally culminates with Coltrane’s later period (1967) composition “Expression”. Along with other recognizable pieces and also a few original compositions, there is much to be savored in this ten-piece program.

Great musicians on board – John Scofield on guitar (track 2), drummers (two of them) J. Tiemann and Roman Diaz, Ugonna Okegwo on bass, and the piano of Keith Brown on two cuts (tracks 5, 9) – this recording has a seasoned, well-rounded, and unique sound. Only on one cut – “Spirit Call”, an original – does Steve play alto saxophone – all the other tunes utilize his flute mastery on a range of models, including the Indian Bansuri flute.

Slagle’s golden dark and full sound – along with his unique technique – makes him stand out from regular “jazz” flutists. He brings a personal and spiritual characteristic to the performance, adding an additional musical flavorful depth to the compositions. This brings to life a deep facet of his musical mind. Enjoy the listening experience, the mood, and the deep sounds of SPIRIT CALLS – todo flute – Steve Slagle's latest work.

1. GOIN' HOME 6:15 (Dvorák)
2. LUIZA 6:57 (Jobim)
3. HEY PAPA! 3:53 (Slagle)
4. DE DRUMS 8:54 (Jarrett)
5. ROLLING CIRCLES 6:36 (Slagle)
6. BIJOU 4:49 (Ralph Burns)
7. ESTATE 5:14 (Bruno Martino)
8. DIZZY'S BUSINESS 4:06 (Ernie Wilkins)
9. SPIRIT CALL 5:26 (Slagle)
10. EXPRESSION 4:16 (Coltrane)
Total time – 56:30

STEVE SLAGLE – FLUTE, ALTO FLUTE, INDIAN BANSURI FLUTE (Alto Sax, trk #9)
UGONNA OKEGWO – BASS 
ROMAN DIAZ – CONGAS & PERCUSSION (Trks 1-7)
JASON TIEMANN – DRUMS & CYMBALS (Trks 1,4,5,9)
KEITH BROWN – PIANO (Trks 5,9)
JOHN SCOFIELD – GUITAR (Trk 2)

Executive Producers: Rick Simpson, Herb Foerstel
Produced by: Steve Slagle & Chris Sulit, Engineer: Chris Sulit
Recorded and Mixed at Trading 8's Studio, Paramus NJ