Saxophonist Willie Williams pulls no punches on his fifth CD as a leader. Alternating nimbly between tenor and soprano horns (at one point even playing both simultaneously), Williams throws himself bodily into every tune. Whether he’s burning through explosive free-bop romps, weaving lines of soft romanticism and gauzy mystery, or digging incessantly at an eighth-note phrase, Williams’ throaty tone points the way clearly and boldly. Bassist Gary Wang and drummer Rudy Walker keep up the energy and sense of restless exploration in this most satisfying set.
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