Press
February 16, 2008
"Lipton's improvisational approach echoes the swiftness of 1960s-era Wayne Shorter (Flight) and the gracefulness of Dexter Gordon (March 1st, Waltz for Maya). The disc's ten tracks, all composed by Lipton, traverse a diverse array of tempos and grooves, with an underlying propensity to swing. Lipton's compositional skills shine bright on the opening track Shtuyot, the ballad, March 1st, and The Hodge Positionary, a frenzied romp with angular proportions.
...
A gifted saxophonist and composer, Lipton has the potential to develop into an original voice on the jazz scene. First Steps is an engaging introduction, musically genuine and well-conceived."
“Zack’s dedication to often-overlooked elements of musicianship is rare in a person of his age. I am impressed with his innate sense of curiosity and meticulous attention to detail.”
- Branford Marsalis