Miami bassist Dennis Marks, age 29, leads a mainstream quintet through nine eclectic originals. Front-liners John Bailey (trumpet, fluegelhorn) and Todd DelGiudice (tenor sax) are spurred by Marks, David Siegel (piano), and James Martin (drums). Well-schooled, Marks generates hardy arrangements that give soloists occasions to unfold. His lyricism and precision shine through, particularly on his somber ballad, “Private Island” and the contemplative title tune. Tempo master Marks struts with equal competency on uptempo numbers. A meaningful debut.
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