This is a fun record. Bassist Dan Loomis' pianoless quartet features colorful solos, exciting interplay between the musicians and stirring ensembles. In general the melodies are strong and, because the musicians listen very closely to each other, a lot of magical moments occur. Starting with an adventurous but melodic rendition of "I Love Paris," progressing through some originals, rare revivals of
John Coltrane's "Dear Lord" and Sy Johnson's "For Harry Carney," and concluding with the exuberant "Lakesha," there are no slow moments heard along the way. Tenor saxophonist Brian VanArsdale (who contributed two pieces) and altoist Nathan Heleine constantly play off of each other's ideas, Jared Schonig's drumming is full of rich tones (almost as if he were playing timbales) and leader Loomis mostly plays in support of the other musicians but his occasional solos are memorable. This dynamic set is one of the top new jazz releases of 2007. ~ Scott Yanow