This debut release by Japanese guitarist
Akio Sasajima features the top-notch tenor saxophonist
Joe Henderson, along with then rising young pianist
Renee Rosnes, bassist
Kelly Sill, and drummer
Joel Spencer, though it wasn't issued until 1993. Together they burn through the title track and "Alone Together," while "Peace" gets a spacious and lyrical treatment. The leader also composed three originals, including "Wheeler Dealer," a sassy strut, and "Eyes of the Dragon," a choice post-bop vehicle. Only "Seven Souls," a dull contemporary piece with synthesizer, electric bass, and a wordless vocal featuring a completely different supporting cast, seems drastically out of place on an otherwise excellent CD. ~ Ken Dryden