Date: 04.08.2009
Publication: Rifftides
Author: Doug Ramsey

In the decade the saxophonist’s quartet has been making music together, this is its most satisfying album. There’s the usual dynamism, even aggressiveness, but little of the anger that Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Eric Reavis and Jeff “Tain” Watts have sometimes worn on their sleeves. All of the impressive tunes are by band members, except Monk’s “Rhythm-a-ning.” Even at its most abstract, the playing has buoyancy and lyricism.