Altoist Jimmy Lyons spent most of his career as a member of Cecil Taylor's Units. For his own projects, it is not too surprising that he chose not to utilize a piano; who could fill in for C.T.? On these occasions, Lyons often teamed up with the adventurous bassoonist Karen Borca, and for this set their quartet (with bassist Jay Oliver and drummer Paul Murphy) is joined by the lyrical trumpet of Enrico Rava. They stretch out on four of Lyons' emotional originals; the ensemble work is frequently exciting; and the front line boasts three distinctive and rather different (but complementary) solo voices. Highly recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Give It Up
02. Methods
03. Never
4. Ballada
JIMMY LYONS alto saxophone
ENRICO RAVA trumpet, flugelhorn
KAREN BORCA basson
JAY OLIVER bass
PAUL MURPHY drums
All music composed by Jimmy Lyons
Recorded March 6 and 7, 1985 at Barigozzi Studio, Milano
Back Saint BSR 0087 CD Italy