I’ve seen tenor saxist Benn Clatworthy a number of times in LA, and after each set I ask myself “why isn’t this guy in everyone’s Top Ten List for sax players?”. He’s got a Sonny Rollins-inspired T-bone steak of a tone, has clever ideas when soloing and keeps with the tradition while moving forward. This latest session has him with Angelenos Ron Stout/tp, Joey Sellers/tb, Bryan Reynoso/b, Yayo Morales/dr and guest Jose Rodriguez/perc in a snazzy collection of originals. He pulls out the flute for his lovely and fragrant “Adam”, but besides that he is roaring like a ravenous lion in a collection of originals that sound like vintage Blue Note Herbie Hancock circa Speak Like a Child. There’s an easy swing of the harmonic horns on the title tune, tribal beats by Morales on the Coltrane modal “Bolivian Odyssey” and a hip groove on “The 3 Rights”. The rhythm team percolates with Rodriguez on the beefy “Sound For Sonny” and the horns glisten on “Libertines”. This is the kind of music that got you hooked on jazz in the first place. WHEW!