This swinging, laid-back date,
Ron McClure's tenth for Steeplechase, features the bassist with relatively obscure but excellent players: tenor saxophonist
Jed Levy, guitarist
Bob DeVos, and drummer Jeff Brillinger.
McClure and
DeVos are the main writers, contributing four tunes each.
Levy weighs in with the title track, providing a perky samba finale. The quartet also offers a snappy version of "Moonray," a minor-key standard co-written by
Artie Shaw.
DeVos, who has worked mainly in organ trio settings, displays a fat tone and a fluid linear approach, particularly on
McClure's "Something New for You."
Levy's blowing is enlivened by his highly imaginative rhythmic sense.
McClure and Brillinger bring a tight yet flexible rapport to the session, peaking energetically on "Cellular Expansion."
McClure's own solos are consistently strong; his downcast ballad, "The Day After Christmas," is especially heartfelt. ~ David R. Adler