Led by bassist Tjitze Vogel, this quartet possesses an unusual instrumentation. It is split in half between string players (violin and bass) and brass players (saxophone and trombone). One could also see the group as half a classical string quartet with half a jazz horn section grafted to it. The music also fits this hybrid, sharing affinities with both avant-garde jazz and Bartok's dances. Vogel is responsible for most of the pieces. His writing is precise, leaves a little room for free improvisation under specific parameters, and constantly plays on the (psychological) barrier between serious and entertaining music. When "serious," his pieces don't have the coldness associated with late-20th century music. They retain a lyricism, an exuberance characteristic of the Balkans. His "Prob-a-Billy" and "Lennie/Fog" are two strong pieces, the best examples of his musical vision. "Wanton Wake," a slow, solemn composition, adds a different touch (Vogel plays a mournful tuba here). Violinist Jasper Le Clercq and trombonist Joost Swinkels contribute one piece each, both freer and more playful -- recess time. The album opens with a rendition of Monk's "Think of One" that is not completely convincing. Without the piano and the floating harmonies of the jazzman, it sounds too rigid and swingless -- the group might as well have taken more chances with it. Less daring than VogelKwartet's collaboration with Jaap Blonk (Come to Catch Your Voice), Eggs in Basket makes an honest debut. ~ François Couture