Jazz Reviews : Sam Riney Proves to Be a Man of Many Horns

Like so many aspiring horn players today, Sam Riney has chosen not to concentrate on a single instrument and become its total master; instead, he changed horns with almost every tune. Possibly for this reason, or perhaps simply because it takes years to reach the requisite level of maturity, he has not yet acquired a distinctive personality.

Performing at the weekly jazz brunch at the Hollywood Holiday Inn Sunday, Riney began on soprano saxophone. He displayed enough technique to make an impression, though not a lasting one, since his sound leaned toward shrillness and the fingers sometimes outpaced the flow of ideas. The very busy drummer, Bob Leatherbarrow, made it difficult at times to determine just what time signature was intended.

Riney was more at ease both in sound and style on tenor saxophone, simply blowing a few well-constructed choruses on the blues, offering evidence that he has studied the roots of jazz. Guitarist Jeff Richman did his best to supply an impelling rhythm background, but the lack of a keyboard player and the modest contribution of Bruce Stone on electric bass placed a ceiling on the results.

Switching next to flute, Riney offered a restrained version of the superior ballad “My One and Only Love.” By now Leatherbarrow was keeping the beat well under control. Another tenor sax feature, the old Stanley Turrentine hit “Sugar,” suggested that this may eventually be the instrument that will earn Riney whatever reputation lies ahead for him.