Producer: Joe Chambers, Engineer: Alec Head, Tracks: Disc 1: Devil's Island; Bamboo; My Little Brown Book; Spoonin'; In a Sentimental Mood; Footprints; Four; Tu-Way-Pack-E-Way; Why Try to Change Me Now; Blues For JC; Disc 2: Blues For 52nd Street; Like Someone in Love; Promptus; King Tut; Bemsha Swing; Quasi Enni; Flamingo; There is No Greater Love; Goodbye Mr. Evans; Blues For JC (alt. take)
The assemblage of sax talent here is staggering (Frank Morgan, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, John Zorn, Steve Coleman, Donald Harrison, Craig Bailey, Dave Liebman, Archie Shepp, David Murray, Houston Person, Bennie Wallace) Imagine what hoops needed to be jumped through to organize the three August 1992 sessions where these tracks were recorded. The music stays within bop and hard bop styles, even though many of the players are more known for their free-jazz sounds. The only piece that strays notably is the John Zorn/Joe Chambers' piece "Promptus". This disc contains a stunning array of tenor and alto saxophone talent (with Dave Liebman contributing his soprano sax). The music is equally stunning, reinforced by the rhythm section of Joe Chambers (drums), Rufus Reid (bass) and George Cables (piano).
Rating : ****1/2