Fredrik Kronkvist has a passionate sound on alto, a bit reminiscent at times of
Jackie McLean, particularly on up-tempo tunes such as the driving "Close Race." He performs a set of ten originals (nine of which he wrote) plus a lyrical version of "Theme for Ernie." Of his pieces, "Litet Grann Fran Ovan" is catchy, "Yemaya" is a struttin' blues, and "Kronk's Monk" somehow lives up to its quirky name.
Kronkvist's rhythm section is excellent on this hard bop/post-bop set, but it is the altoist who takes solo honors.
Fredrik Kronkvist deserves to be much better known. ~ Scott Yanow