Three of a Kind, a trio containing pianist Peter Madsen, bassist Dwayne Dolphin and drummer Bruce Cox, plays competently but generically. Nevertheless this CD is well worth having because of the outstanding work of guest tenorman Benny Golson, who appears on eight of the album’s 11 tracks. Golson hasn’t lost a thing, though his style’s evolved since the 1960s. He employs a leaner tone now and displays a bit more Coltrane influence. His solos have a great deal of melodic richness and are smoothly constructed.
Trombonist Conrad Herwig contributes a pretty, warm-toned spot on “Killer Joe” and trumpeter Till Bronner chips in nice, crisp Freddie Hubbard-like work on several tracks.
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