A strong modern mainstream set, animated by
Clarence Penn's powerful drumming and leadership. Trumpeter
John Swana and tenor saxophonist
Ron Blake make up the front line, with bassist
Rodney Whitaker and the promising guitarist
Jesse Van Ruller completing the rhythm section. There's an emphasis on original music by the band:
Penn contributes three tunes, and Whitaker, Swana, and Blake each offer one. But the band opens with
Thelonious Monk's minor-key swinger "Teo" and also plays a beautiful "You Must Believe in Spring." Van Ruller and Swana begin the latter, and Blake pairs with the guitarist to end the piece in a similarly subdued fashion.
Penn's "Blues for Paris" is a romp over
Charlie Parker's "Blues for Alice" changes, with Van Ruller laying out during the horn choruses. Bob Hallahan's mellow waltz "The Charm" is another highlight, as are Swana's churning modal tune "Red Alert" and
Penn's hard-swinging trio number "Preston's Theme" (featuring
Ron Blake). ~ David R. Adler