When tenor saxophonist
Donny McCaslin first gained prominence, he sounded quite a bit like
Michael Brecker and
Bob Berg. Years have passed and
McCaslin has grown into a very original improviser.
In Pursuit, which features nine of his diverse originals, is full of moody and often melancholy but never dull music.
McCaslin's solos are completely unpredictable, he is joined by a particularly skillful and alert rhythm section, and altoist
David Binney often adds a second complementary voice. The music seems free in spots but is purposeful and ultimately logical. When
McCaslin solos over just drummer
Antonio Sanchéz and percussionist
Pernell Saturnino during several stretches, his improvisations are particularly fiery and driven, with his raging solo on "Village Natural" being particularly inspired. This is a particularly strong example of modern jazz circa 2006. ~ Scott Yanow