On this enjoyable set, tenor saxophonist
Keith Oxman leads an excellent hard bop quartet comprised of musicians based in Colorado.
Oxman's playing is a little reminiscent, in spots, of
Hank Mobley, although his sound and style are fairly original. The rhythm section players (best-known overall is pianist
Chip Stephens) all have an extensive list of credits and, despite not being famous, all are world-class players. The quartet performs five jazz standards,
Dexter Gordon's "I Want More," and six
Oxman originals that are straight-ahead, swinging, and sometimes based on the chord changes of other standards. Bebop fans will want this fine set. ~ Scott Yanow