Alto saxophonist Hayes brings a clean, confident tone and an infectious bounce to this set of snappy hard-bop tunes, turning out a stream of ear-catching solos alongside trumpeter Duane Eubanks. Hayes’ vibrant sextet is at its best on joyous, uptempo numbers like “The Coaster,” an overlooked gem from Grachan Moncur III’s 1960s catalog, but breezy originals like “The Desert” are also sure to please. Only a smooth-jazz track at the end seems out of place in this satisfyingly swinging set.
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