May 1997

Brian Buchanan
Avenues
Jazz Focus Records

By Patricia Myers

Pianist Brian Buchanan and his quintet celebrate the Canadian quality of jazz, leaning heavily on hard-bop and minor elements for a sampling of originals. The 11 tracks also include a strongly swung "Getting Sentimental Over You" and tender ballad stylings. Buchanan and bassist Ken Coffey take over the duo stage on "All of You" and "My Foolish Heart." Tenor saxophonist Phil Dwyer and trumpeter-fluegelhornist Bob Tildesley create solid harmony and exceptional solos.