It seems only fitting that the initial new release on the latest revival of the Impulse label features
McCoy Tyner and
Michael Brecker. When Impulse started out in 1960,
John Coltrane and
Tyner were the first artists to be signed, and when Impulse was briefly brought back by MCA in the 1980s, two of its most important albums were recordings by
Brecker. There are not a lot of surprises on this quartet matchup (with bassist
Avery Sharpe and drummer
Aaron Scott) except perhaps for how well
Tyner and
Brecker mesh together. The music is somewhat similar to a set by the pianist's regular trio with a solo piece ("Blues Stride"), a generous amount of
Tyner originals and colorful versions of
Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You" and "Good Morning Heartache," but
Brecker's presence and consistently powerful playing does inspire
Tyner and his sidemen. For a strong example as to why today's saxophonists have such a high opinion of
Michael Brecker, his roaring statement on the extended "Impressions" will suffice. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow