Bassist Bruce Gertz lays a solid foundation for this set, taking the spotlight only intermittently as he shapes 13 modern-jazz tracks ranging from exotic, winding melodies and gently creeping conversations to buoyant hard-bop and freewheeling rhythmic exercises. Longtime associate Jerry Bergonzi provides a bright spark on tenor sax (occasionally doubling on drums), while Ken Cervenka’s understated trumpet gives the album a certain moodiness. Gabriel Guerrero balances ornate and halting piano statements, while Tim Horner describes wide vistas on drums.
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