On this adventurous disc
Gordon is joined by guitarist
Ben Monder, pianist Ed Simon, bassist
Larry Grenadier, drummer
Bill Stewart, and additional percussionist
Adam Cruz. Aside from
Frank Kimbrough's colorful waltz "The Spins" and
Ivan Lins's bossa ballad "Comecar De Novo," all the music is original. "Event" gets the album off to a spare, mysterious start, and "Alignment" finishes it with bright Latin colors, including steel pans and handclaps.
Gordon's writing is at its lyrical best on "Three Springs," "Twilight Soul," and the title track. In contrast, "Ed's Groove" and "Shape Up" feature his more burning side.
Gordon's alto and soprano chops are equally strong, and
Monder and
Simon, two of the most compelling soloists in jazz, cook up plenty of excitement as the album plays. Grenadier and Stewart would later work together as the rhythm section on
Pat Metheny's incredible
Trio 99-00; this record documents their extraordinary rapport just as effectively. ~ David R. Adler