Bob Kase is a powerful trumpeter with a warm sound and a creative improvising style. He sounds quite lyrical and joyful on "A Weaver of Dreams" (the lone standard on his set), is fiery on "Fresh Peanuts" (an abstract rendition of rhythm changes), and spits out the notes on "Burnt Toast" à la
Wynton Marsalis. Some of the other songs are more relaxed and lyrical, but
Kase's playing is always passionate. Tenor saxophonist
John Greiner proves to be a perfect foil for
Kase, offering a contrasting tone and some fire of his own. With pianist Mathew Buchman leading the swinging rhythm section,
A Weaver of Dreams is an excellent introduction to the music of the underrated but talented
Bob Kase. ~ Scott Yanow