(Cecil Leeson - Adolph Sax would no doubt approve)

A seldom played Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano by a seldom heard composer tonight. Edvard Moritz is almost totally unknown today, but was one of the "up-and-comers" in the early part of the 20th century. He migrated to the U.S. at the outset of Hitlers rise to power and settled in New York where he pretty much remained until his death in 1974. Truths to tell, I haven't seen any other works written by him recorded or even played in public, so I'm a little in the dark as to what his other works are like. I know this one is quite good and it makes me wonder what else we're at the risk of missing.

This recording, made in 1941 for Decca Records (U.S.) features Cecil Leeson, the American sax soloist who did a lot to further the cause of the saxophone in the concert hall. A number of works by his contemporaries such as Paul Creston were dedicated to him and he enjoyed a long career before his death in 1989.

So jumping into some old and unfamiliar territory tonight via the 78 player. Sundays are just like that.