For his debut as a leader, tenor saxophonist teams up here with two of his labelmates, guitarist and pianist . The rhythm section players, bassist and drummer , happen to have appeared on , the 2000 release of another fine yet far more recognized tenor man, . is in excellent form, displaying a husky sound and an advanced, fleet-fingered improvisational approach. contributes the singing-yet-biting solos for which he's well known. shines, especially as an accompanist on 's tenor/piano ballad Overall, the playing is more interesting than the compositions themselves. There are some nice arranging touches, however. The quintet plays a tune once recorded by , in a furious double-time. They play in the usual ballad fashion, but with providing the only accompaniment and laying out. reaches into the hard bop vaults with 's slow-grooving and 's He roars on his own and craftily negotiates the contours of the opener. The record doesn't exactly break any ground, but it's a solid straight-ahead outing that gets 's career as a leader off to a good start. ~ David R. Adler