It used to be that saxophone trios were the ultimate challenge for a band, but in this modern time it seems de rigueur and commonplace although nothing seems to ever come close to the Sonny Rollins standard bearers of Way Out West and Live at the Village Vanguard. Still, drummer Rudy Royston accepts the challenge and brings together multi-reedist Jon Irabagon and bassist Yasushi Nakamura for some post bop originals. Irabagon’s tenor is rich and thick on the dramatic “Nautical” and pulsating title track, while the band feels loose and laconic on “Dido’s Lament” and has the leader get frantic on “Kolbe War.” Royston gets frisky and funky for Irabagon’s soprano on “Man O To” and brushes deftly for the reed o “Sister Mother Clara.” Nakamura broods on “Make A Smile For Me” and does a nice arm wrestle with the leader on Alnilam.” The band has a looseness to it that gives the music an in concert feel, even with the handful of concise snippets. A bit more cohesion could have gone a long way, as the band emphasizes freedom more than form here.