On his second CD for Mons, the left-handed Dutch bassist performs with the same group as the first CD Pay as You Earn, which was co-led by
Don Braden (with the exception of
Darrell Grant replacing
Cyrus Chestnut). Ironically this session could also have been co-led by Braden, for it is his tenor and soprano saxes that stand out on most of the ten selections, a mixture of originals and jazz classics. Highlights include: a finger-snapping arrangement of
Benny Golson's "Whisper Not";
Teepe's "Amsterdam Avenue," featuring and out-of-tempo intro that develops into a blistering tempo with blazing solos by
Tom Harrell and Braden, while Allen sets the pace on his drums;
Teepe's spin on
Miles Davis' "So What" titled "So What Next"; and
Teepe's bass feature on
Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." A good session by a fine group of players. ~ Greg Turner