The fiery tenor saxophonist
Don Menza has had too few opportunities to record as a leader through the years. This rare quartet date with pianist
Wray Downes, bassist
Dave Young, and drummer
Pete Magadini ranks with
Menza's best. He takes hard-driving solos on four jazz standards (including "Confirmation" and
Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You"), a couple of blues by drummer
Magadini, and his own "Rose Tattoo." This live session finds
Menza in top form, showing both humor and versatility in his swinging solos. Recommended.