Compare Just the Beginning

shows a lot of promise on his debut recording as a leader. He studied with fellow alto saxophonist and toured for several years with , though he has developed a sound that is not overly influenced by anyone else on his instrument. With a fine rhythm section, including pianist (of ), bassist , and either or on drums, 's take of 's tantalizing reveals his debt to . But he engages in a wild free improvisation upon his teacher's with trumpeter also getting a lion's share of the solo space. Trombonist penned the brooding The leader himself is a budding composer, including the lush tribute a lush duet with that is a fitting memorial to a great musician. ~ Ken Dryden