Mike Melillo - Alternate Changes for Bud (LP)

"Alternate Changes for Bud" is a captivating hard bop and bebop album by saxophonist Mike Melillo, released on January 1, 1995, under Red Records. Clocking in at just over 50 minutes, this album is a testament to Melillo's mastery of the genre, offering a collection of ten tracks that showcase his virtuosic playing and compositional prowess. The album opens with "Sure Thing," a lively and upbeat number that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "Hallucinations," the driving "Tempus Fugit," and the playful "Un Poco Loco." Throughout the album, Melillo is joined by a stellar lineup of musicians, including pianist Harold Danko, bassist Cameron Brown, and drummer Lewis Nash, who provide a solid and swinging foundation for his solos. "Alternate Changes for Bud" is a must-listen for fans of hard bop and bebop, and a testament to Mike Melillo's enduring legacy as one of the genre's most talented and innovative musicians.