For this mostly relaxed date, tenor saxophonist
Bennie Wallace (who plays pretty melodically throughout much of the session) is teamed with veteran pianist
Tommy Flanagan, bassist
Eddie Gomez and drummer Alvin Queen.
Wallace does his best to temper some of his wilder interval jumps but it is such an integral part of his style that he does let loose in spots. The rhythm section is tight and tasteful and the quartet explores seven standards, plus an original apiece by
Wallace ("Little Surprises") and
Flanagan ("Beyond the Bluebird"). Other highlights include
Duke Ellington's rarely played "Serenade to Sweden," "Moon Song" and "So in Love." ~ Scott Yanow