For this date, bassist
Ray Drummond heads an all-star quintet which includes altoist
Gary Bartz,
Chris Potter on tenor, pianist
Renee Rosnes and drummer
Billy Hart. They perform five of
Drummond's tunes,
John Handy's near-classic jazz waltz "Dance to the Lady" and a pair of standards. On what is generally an extroverted session, the bassist's two "Ballade Poetiques" serve as a change of pace, fairly free flights for the trio that are quite introspective. Otherwise the underrated giant
Bartz emerges as the main star, taking "Poor Butterfly" as his showcase, showing off his
John Coltrane roots on "Eleanor Rigby" and making a powerful statement on "Dance to the Lady." A fine post bop session. ~ Scott Yanow