Trumpeter Eddie Allen (also known as E.J. Allen) performs music ranging from hard bop to post bop on this enjoyable quintet date. Joined by
Dan Faulk on tenor and soprano, pianist
Anthony Wonsey, bassist
Richie Goods, and drummer
Cindy Blackman, with trombonist
Steve Turre being a major asset on four of the ten songs, Allen performs six of his originals plus two standards and a pair of obscurities. The results are modern mainstream jazz of a high caliber, featuring an attractive blend between Allen's mellow horn and
Faulk's reeds, a tight rhythm section, and some fine individual moments. ~ Scott Yanow