Russian bassist/composer
Dmitri Kolesnik is a promising talent who is well-versed in both hard bop and post-bop. His second CD as a leader reunites him with the musicians on his first CD (tenor saxophonist
Eric Alexander, trumpeter/flugelhornist
Alex Sipiagin, pianist
Andrei Kondakov and drummer
Lenny White), while adding trumpeter/flugehornist
Jim Rotondi, a frequent collaborator with
Alexander on various New York sessions. His jaunty, somewhat jagged "In Monk's Mood" salutes
Thelonious Monk and is full of great solos by the band. "Bitter Chocolate" is lush ballad with a bittersweet air, highlighted by
Kondakov's poignant introduction and the heartfelt unison line of
Sipiagin (on flugelhorn) and
Alexander, with the leader taking a powerful chorus as well.
Kondakov contributed two originals, including the driving, turbulent "Song for Kenny," in honor of the late pianist
Kenny Kirkland and "Goodbye," a snappy, infectious post-bop vehicle. It's clear that a good time was had by everyone in the studio and a similar experience awaits the listener. ~ Ken Dryden