is 's first quartet date and also his first all-original date. The lineup is promising, to say the least: on tenor sax, on bass, and on drums. Unfortunately, the playing is solid but surprisingly restrained. And 's writing this time around is not as impressive. His intentions, however, are somewhat grandiose: The six tracks that comprise are thematically linked as a suite with autobiographical overtones, each piece addressing a different aspect of personal and emotional change. The concept seems to have overwhelmed the music to some degree. The album does pick up steam about halfway through, peaking with But overall, is not as thrilling as 's previous outings. His first wholly original program may have caused him to err on the side of caution. ~ David R. Adler