The co-leaders Michael Jefry Stevens/p and Art Lillard/dr get in tandem with Don Aliquo/ts-ss, Jamey Simmons/tp, Rick Simerly/tb and Jonathan Wires/dr for an easy swinging mix of originals and standards with post bop arrangements. The mix of horns makes for a luscious front line as on the swaying take of “An Era Gone By” with some cozy moods taken by Aliquo and Simmons on the catchy “Peaceful Brookside” and the horns giving a rich harmonic intro to “The Swinger” before jumping into the grooving pool. Stevens strolls through a waltzing “That’s Just The Way It Is” over Wires’ simmering high hat, and Aliquo’s soprano digs in on the sophisticated pulse of “Down The Rabbit Hole”. Some Ellington textures are delivered by the horns on a hip Latin lover of “Purple Gazelle” and the standard “With A Song In My Heart” allows the polished brass of Simmons and Simerly to glisten. Well flexed muscles that don’t over bulge.
https://michaeljefrystevens.bandcamp.com/album/keepers-of-the-flame