This live recording originates from the
Thelonious Monk Institute's Tenth Anniversary Gala, which includes excerpts from the competition among alto saxophonists. With a solid rhythm section of
Kenny Barron,
Christian McBride and
Lewis Nash,
Jimmy Greene and
John Wojciechowski are impressive, but
Phil Woods' protégé
Jon Gordon walks off with top honors with his great renditions of "Giant Steps," "Body & Soul," and a tasty original, "Sicily."
Herbie Hancock and
Wayne Shorter are featured in a duo performance of "Memory of Enhancement," a prize-winning piece written by
Michiel Borstlap for the Institute's composer competition. Because this CD is available only through BMG Jazz Club via mail order, it's likely to become a collectible.