This is an exciting band.
Ernest Dawkins (heard on alto, tenor, and flute) heads the New Horizons Ensemble, a high-energy avant-garde sextet also including trombonist
Steve Berry, trumpeter
Ameen A.C. Muhammad, guitarist
Jeff Parker, bassist
Yosef Ben Israel, and drummer
Avreeayl Ra. The driving rhythm section and rather individual horn stylists perform eight diverse pieces by
Dawkins (who also contributed the arrangements) which cover a variety of moods, are not shy to swing, and temporarily embrace melodies. Each selection is stirring and full of surprises and fire. Recommended.