In his notes, Ernie Krivda describes this as a blowing session featuring tunes he composed during a period of more than 30 years. The members of this working group have been with Krivda since 2001, except for guitarist Bob Fraser, who has associated with the saxophonist since the mid-'60s. Most... [+] Expand

In his notes, Ernie Krivda describes this as a blowing session featuring tunes he composed during a period of more than 30 years. The members of this working group have been with Krivda since 2001, except for guitarist Bob Fraser, who has associated with the saxophonist since the mid-'60s. Most of the tracks last more than ten minutes, allowing the musicians to spread out. The roots of the music can be traced to classic hard bop sessions of the 1950s, when a front line of trumpet and sax predominated. (Think of Clifford Brown and Harold Land, or Joe Gordon and Richie Kamuca as prototypes.) This group retains the same sense of urgency, and with a similar, compelling tastefulness. No fireworks or midgets shot from cannons: only undiluted straight-ahead jazz of the highest caliber. As usual with Krivda's ensembles, there is not a weak link. Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci sticks mostly to the middle register with an attractive sound and fluid technique, while Krivda solos intensely, his sound slightly gruff and uniquely his own. The focused though relaxed rhythm section participates fully, with Bob Fraser's guitar offering some incisive statements. The heads can be tricky, as on the powerful "The Jerry Turn," a new composition from the leader. There is a slight rough-and-tumble quality to it all, simulating a live club date. On the short "The Bebop Interlude," Krivda duels with drummer Carmen Intorre for a potent blend that muscles through a seemingly free-flow of ideas. The final piece, the Coltrane-esque "Panhandle Hook," highlights an appealing forward-thrusting line played in unison by the horns at a rapid clip, followed by stellar solos from Farinacci, Fraser, and Krivda, who burns with incendiary fire. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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