For his second recording as a leader,
David Schumacher leads several different combinations through a well-paced program of bop-drenched tunes. The baritone saxophonist features two groups, one including saxophonist
Steve Wilson and percussionist
Steve Berrios, the other with guitarist
Russell Malone and drummer
Billy Drummond. For one piece -- his own "Hip or Critical" --
Schumacher stretches successfully over bass and drums alone. As with his debut, the well-paced
From Another Life succeeds admirably, with the leader's raunchy, full-toned horn the highlight throughout. Emotionally laden and deliciously unpretentious, the album does not forge much new ground, but its tight, melodic qualities continue to appeal. ~ Steve Loewy