On drummer
Tony Reedus' second recording as a leader, he joins forces with tenor saxophonist/flutist
Gary Thomas, vibraphonist
Steve Nelson, and bassist
Dave Holland to perform one
Reedus original, one jazz classic, a hard-swinging version of
Thelonious Monk's "Green Chimneys," two standards, and four jazz compositions written by musicians whom
Reedus has worked with.
Reedus, who was introduced to jazz by his uncle, pianist
James Williams, plays with a relaxed, flowing style with ride cymbal and off-beat accents reminiscent of
Jack DeJohnette.
Thomas' rough-hewn tenor and delicate flute contrast nicely with
Nelson's vibes, while
Holland's huge tone and harmonic imagination uplift any session he is on. Other favorites include the beautiful title track, written by pianist
Jonny King and featuring
Thomas on flute; "Probin'," an uptempo burner written by
Williams;
Holland's "Lazy Snake," a slow funky number; and the standard "Bye Bye Blackbird," performed as an energetic duet by
Reedus and
Thomas. This is one of 1991's best releases, and a welcome addition to the
Reedus discography. ~ Greg Turner