It is difficult not to be impressed by this CD. Donny McCaslin, although occasionally hinting at Sonny Rollins, has a pretty original sound on tenor. Certainly his playing on the opening "Along Came Betty" sounds like no one else's. In addition to excellent technique, McCaslin is a quick thinker who is not shy of taking chances. Who else would take "Tenderly" at a brisk pace in 5/4 time or perform a pair of Astor Piazzolla's tango etudes as unaccompanied classical-type saxophone solos? Other than contributing three fine originals (a blues, a funky romp, and an emotional, heartbreaking ballad) and performing the Piazzolla pieces, McCaslin digs into five standards, really ripping through "Speak Low." The rhythm section (pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Billy Drummond) works very well together as a unit, with Barth taking some fine solos; still, this is very much Donny McCaslin's showcase. Highly recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Along Came Betty (Benny Golson)
02. Exile and Discovery (Donny McCaslin)
03. Isfahan (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn)
04. Mountain Mama (Donny McCaslin)
05. Tenderly (Walter Gross/Jack Lawrence)
06. Ëtude # 3/from Études Tanguistiques (Astor Piazzolla)
07. Speak Low (Ogden Nash/Kurt Weill)
08. A Prayer for Frances (Donny McCaslin)
09. Bye-Ya (Thelonious Monk)
10. Étude # 4/from Études Tanguistiques (Astor Piazzolla)
UGONNA OKEGWO bass
BILLY DRUMMOND drums
BRUCE BARTH piano
DONNY McCASLIN tenor saxophone
Recorded November 18, 1997 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY
NAXOS 86014-2