Bassist
Steve LaSpina had an opportunity to record seven of his originals (plus two standards) on the post-bop quintet date
When I'm Alone. The music ranges greatly in emotions and is highlighted by the intense "Soaring," the waltz "Young Hearts" (with
Billy Drewes sounding quite fluent on soprano), a solo bass feature on "My Romance," and a spooky "Anesthesia." Although guitarist
Vic Juris and pianist
Marc Copland have plenty of fine spots, the solo honors are usually taken by
Drewes (particularly on soprano) and
LaSpina. The individual melodies are not particularly memorable, but the moods are often haunting and the playing by the quintet is superlative. Overall
When I'm Alone is a high-quality example of modern jazz.