Matt Parker goes a bit Jekyll and Hyde here on this exciting session. He trios it up with Alan Hampton/b and Reggie Quinerly/dr along with vocalist Emily Braden on a handful on tracks. On tenor, he sounds like an old soul, with hints of Ben Webster and Don Byas as he big tones it on “I’m Confessin (That I Love You)” as well as thoroughly enjoyable swingers like “ Noah’s Arc” and the glowing “Winter’s Gone” , both with Braden’s charming vocals.
On soprano, he leans more to the left, going free form on ”The Gong” and bearing down on “New Horizons” which gives allusions to vintage Coltrane with Elvin Jones. In either setting, Parker sounds in control of his instrument and thoroughly masterful, with the rhythm team on comfortable footing either in the pocket or falling down the elevator shaft.