had only a month to live when was recorded on October 9, 1997 -- on November 9, the -influenced alto saxman died of a massive heart attack at the age of 58. For , his final studio date as a leader, led what his friend would term a "little big band" -- a nine-piece unit that includes, among others, trombonist , tenor saxophonist , baritone saxophonist , trumpeter , pianist and drummer . Enjoyable, if conventional, finds sticking with what he did best -- straight-ahead hard bop and familiar jazz and pop standards such as and This swan song reminds us that while was never an innovator, he was a warm, likable improviser who always swung. ~ Alex Henderson