Karl Denson's tenor style is in the tradition of
John Coltrane and
Joe Henderson and sometimes resembles
Ernie Watts, but without sounding like a copy of any of them. Although he mostly sticks to conventional notes,
Denson plays quite passionately on six of his originals, plus an infectious version of
Dexter Gordon's "Fried Bananas," most of which are performed in a sparse trio with bassist
Dave Holland and drummer
Jack DeJohnette.
Pee Wee Ellis adds his tenor for a bit of a jam on the blues "Blue-Eyed Peas," while
Gust Tsilis on marimba is heard in a supportive role on "Banana Boy." The exploratory "Waltz for Leslie" and the lyrical ballad "Heart of the Wanderer" are most impressive;
Karl Denson deserves much greater recognition. ~ Scott Yanow