Shaw
recorded a series of outstanding hard bop albums with American musicians but there is less available of him performing with Europeans. This album is, therefore, a welcome addition to his discography.
Tone Jansa
, a strong tenor saxophonist who also doubles on both soprano sax and flute, shares the front line with
, and the two horns perform six compositions by
Jansa
backed by
's swinging rhythm section.
seems perfectly comfortable with the tunes, which range from sizzlers to ballads.
and
fit together well, and
appears inspired by the interaction. Drummer
Dragan Gajic
kicks hard throughout while pianist
Renato Chicco
and bassist
Peter Herbert
play with strong feeling. The results are strikingly enjoyable, and all in all this should please admirers of the trumpeter. ~ Steven Loewy