During the '80s and into the new millennium, trumpeter/flügelhornist Tom Harrell emerged as one of the most important figures in contemporary and modern jazz, thanks to a host of largely successful small-group and large-ensemble recordings. However, many admirers of the artist may not be aware of this little gem, released for the Italy-based Splasc(h) record label, featuring Harrell performing along with alto saxophonist Furio Romano's quintet. Recorded in 1991, the band executes a swashbuckling rendition of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" in concert with a series of highly charged post-bop motifs brimming with oscillating flows, vigorous exchanges, and strong soloing by Harrell, Romano, vibist Donato Scolese, and trombonist Rudy Migliardi. The quintet gives Charles Mingus' "Jelly Roll" a slight overhaul via Scolese's quasi Caribbean/reggae approach to the vibes amid the soloists' lighthearted approach to the primary theme. All told, the band melds soft balladry with lyrically charged themes, crisp arrangements, and soul-searching lines, yet the intuitive interplay and the musicians' emphatic demeanor is what provides the winning formula.