Five Play: On the Brink

Five Play’s album On the Brink doesn’t compromise on expressiveness, ideas or chops. Alto saxophonists and flutists Karoline Strassmayer and Laura Dreyer are soaring bebop players, and pianist Lorraine Desmaris, bassist Nicki Parrott and drummer Maricle swing with conviction and sturdiness. Trumpeter John McNeil’s arrangements give the quintet a solid, comfortable ensemble sound and kick (as distinguished from jam session fare).