Since
One for All were first organized in 1997, the all-star sextet has had a solid core with tenor saxophonist
Eric Alexander, drummer
Joe Farnsworth, and trumpeter
Jim Rotondi, though trombonist
Steve Davis and pianist
David Hazeltine have appeared on most of the band's CDs. This 2001 session mixes standards, timeless jazz compositions, and solid originals by individual bandmembers. It's hard for any band to compare to the famous version of
Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" (which featured
Bill Evans,
Eric Dolphy, and
Freddie Hubbard in addition to its composer), though
One for All's interpretation is full of potent solos that aren't derivative of the landmark recording. The bold brass and reed harmonies round out a tight, fresh arrangement of
Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark," while the driving chart of "Street of Dreams" showcases
Alexander well. The originals contributed by
Hazeltine,
Davis, and
Alexander also stand up to the familiar songs. Recommended.