May 2007

Don Aliquo
Jazz Folk
Young Warrior

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

Nashville-based tenor saxophonist Don Aliquo plays with a dextrous technique and a breathy, almost muffled tone. He leads a cohesive quintet on this disc, dovetailing especially well with the bright oscillations of trumpeter Clay Jenkins. Veteran bassist Rufus Reid adds expert support, playing alongside Jim White’s bustling drum work and Dana Landry’s energetic piano. In an upbeat set loaded with memorable themes, the dual-phased “Spiral Staircase” and a lovely version of Jule Styne’s ballad “Never Never Land” are standouts.