Drummer
Wally Schnalle's Northern California-based quintet plays post-bop jazz that is often quite adventurous, but not shy of utilizing funky rhythms, strong melodies and chordal improvisation; in other words, it is unpredictable. Of the musicians on this CD (trumpeter John Worley, pianist Murray Low, bassist Tom Bockhold and the leader), the most powerful soloist is tenor saxophonist
Dann Zinn, who displays a fairly original sound and plenty of spirit.
Schnalle contributed all nine compositions, and although it seems likely that none will become standards in the future, they do serve as strong vehicles for the soloists and are quite diverse. This is a stimulating set that grows in interest with each listen, well worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow