One of Canada's top musicians, tenor saxophonist Mike Murley is a consistently inventive improviser whose music falls between Blue Note-style hard bop and more adventurous post-bop. For this set, he blends in particularly well with flugelhornist-trumpeter John MacLeod. With MacLeod sometimes sounding a bit like
Kenny Wheeler and the rhythm section (led by pianist Dave Restivo) being very alert and stimulating, this CD features one of Mike Murley's finest groups. They perform seven of Murley's unpredictable originals which range from pieces reminiscent of
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers and the mid-'60s
Miles Davis Quintet to the very original Split 2. Every moment is well worth hearing and keeps one guessing what is coming up next. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow