William Breuker is back to form with this full-spirited 11-tet performance of ten original compositions by the leader. While
Breuker only solos on one piece, there are some nice improvisations from trumpeter Andy Altenfelder, tenor saxophonist Alex Coke (who also narrates one track), and trombonist Bernard Hunnekink. The loud and dense harmonies are a matter of taste, but those who enjoy the composer's jazz side should not be disappointed. While there is no new ground broken, there is a joyous ambience and a forward motion that pull the listener into the orbit of the band. Naturally, it would not be properly
Breukerian without some humor, and that is here, too, on occasion. Not likely to win new converts, this should satisfy the leader's longtime admirers. The utterly original plastic design (with the notes imprinted in the casing) is an attractive bonus. ~ Steve Loewy