Alto saxist/composer Patrick Cornelius has released about 3 other albums, and they’re all impressive pieces of work. Unlike so many on the alto, he’s got a nice, clean and airy sound; not a hint of harshness or shrill in his pitch, which makes every listening a pleasure. He team up here with a quartet including Frank Kimbrough/p, Michael Janisch/b and Jeff Ballard/dr and at times beefs it up to a quintet with Michael Rodriguez/tp and a sextet with Nik Vayenas/tb. The material can range from driving hard bop as on “Regent Street” to a stately “ Unfinished Business.” As with all the best alto players, ballads separate the men from the boys, and “In The Quiet Moments” shows he nows how to h old ‘em and fold ‘em.” A hip rhythm section shows it’s drive on “Projection” while Vayenas’ horn slides safely home. Nice outing!
Whirlwind Recordings Ltd