In listening to this music -- four
Gordon Brisker originals, one song apiece from pianists
Mike Nock and
Bill Cunliffe, an obscurity, and a reharmonized "I Got Rhythm" -- it is difficult not to think of the mid-'60s
Miles Davis Quintet in spots. Tenor saxophonist
Brisker actually sounds closer to
John Coltrane than
Wayne Shorter, and trumpeter
Tim Hagans has more power than
Miles Davis did, but the complexity of the music and the democratic nature of the rhythm section's role point toward that classic group. Although there are many capable solos from
Brisker, Hagans and pianist
Marc Copland, with alert support from bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Jeff Hirshfield, the music is quite dry and sometimes rather dull. Even "These Are the Jokes" sounds a bit dreary. The originals are generally complex without including any real innovations; the solos (although following the tricky chord changes) have little to do with the themes, and one comes away from this date respecting rather than loving the music. ~ Scott Yanow