For this unusual set, bassist
Tyrone Brown leads an ensemble including two violins, two violas, one cellist, and a percussionist. The music is actually fairly conventional, including some melodic originals, "All the Things You Are," and "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," with the main solo space taken by
Brown, violinist
John Blake, and Melissa Ortega on viola. The unusual sound of the ensemble, the impressive musicianship, and the fine material make this a straight-ahead set of strong interest. ~ Scott Yanow