A strong modern
mainstream
set, animated by
Clarence Penn
's powerful drumming and leadership. Trumpeter
John Swana
and tenor saxophonist
Ron Blake
make up the front line, with bassist
Rodney Whitaker
and the promising guitarist
Jesse Van Ruller
completing the rhythm section. There's an emphasis on original music by the band:
Penn
contributes three tunes, and
Whitaker
,
Swana
, and
Blake
each offer one. But the band opens with
Thelonious Monk
's minor-key swinger
"Teo"
and also plays a beautiful
"You Must Believe in Spring."
Van Ruller
and
begin the latter, and
pairs with the guitarist to end the piece in a similarly subdued fashion.
's
"Blues for Paris"
is a romp over
Charlie Parker
"Blues for Alice"
changes, with
laying out during the horn choruses.
Bob Hallahan
's mellow
waltz
"The Charm"
is another highlight, as are
's churning
modal
tune
"Red Alert"
's hard-swinging trio number
"Preston's Theme"
(featuring
). ~ David R. Adler