Bassist
Al Henderson proves to be a very skillful songwriter/composer on this set. His compositions include tributes to
Charles Mingus ("Mingus") and
Thelonious Monk ("Monk in Space"), plus other selections that have the same type of joyful freedom as the music of
Mingus and
Monk.
Henderson, pianist
Richard Whiteman, and drummer Barry Romberg all play well, but the solo star is easily Alex Dean, who is equally impressive on tenor, alto, bass clarinet, and oboe. Highlights include the jazz waltz "Andalusian Landscape" (which has a particularly strong melody), the heated "Fire and Ice," the quirky "The Beggars' Promenade," and the complex "Hadronic Interactions." This set from Canada is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow