is a talented advanced hard bop player whose playing on this early release finds him performing in a group that recalls the / quintet of the early '70s. sometimes sounds here like or , and he contributed six of the eight numbers -- all but the standard which is taken as a tasteful piano-vibes duet, and "Blow Up," with the closing calypso "Las Ramblas" being the most memorable. vibes (influenced by ) are a key voice both in the ensembles and as a soloist. is in excellent if conventional form on tenor while showing on the hyperactive "Caffeine" that his soprano playing is coming along. With bassist and drummer offering solid support, this is a fine modern mainstream date. ~ Scott Yanow