, a versatile reed player, is a forward-thinking improviser. On his quartet date, he performs five originals, two songs by his sidemen, and a pair of originals. Sometimes the music is lightly funky, and at times it is straight-ahead in a quirky fashion. switches between tenor, bass clarinet, and flutes, which gives the set variety. His rhythm section is alert and open to changing grooves on a moment's notice when it fits the music. The catchy is a high point, but all of the selections (including a reworked version of and the driving ) are well played and full of fire, with 's flute feature on being particularly memorable. Although is not very well known in the United States, his CD is easily recommended to modern straight-ahead collectors. ~ Scott Yanow