Veteran Detroit tenor saxophonist Steve Wood is a serious mainstream jazz musician who knows well the virtue of swinging from the post-bop tradition. His heroes clearly are Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, George Coleman, and John Coltrane, but he has synthesized those influences into a fluid, literate, clearly personal sound. His strength as a true player is reflected in his equally talented bandmates: solid bassist Paul Keller; longtime Detroit stalwart and unsung hero drummer Ron Jackson; and especially the phenomenal pianist Phil Kelly, whose star rises higher with every passing session and performance, and who is one to pay close attention to during this program. Where Wood is a devout modern traditionalist, he does like to inject a Latin rhythm here and there. There's a Dexter-ish calypso to uptempo swing take of Comes Love, churning Afro-Cuban to hard swing for the focus on The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (where Wood's original stark lyricism is most extant and Jackson's drum solo is good as it gets), and the six-in-four beat Invitation, which uses Jackson's jungle to light swing changes, with Wood on a pithy, in-tune soprano sax. The band effortlessly rolls through Dolphin Dance and is totally relaxed during Weaver of Dreams, though Wood's tenor is in boppish mood with 16th note outbursts. Turning up the wick, the band charges perfectly through Donna Lee with nary a wince, inspired by an exacting Kelly, while the tenor/piano duet of Kenny Barron's Voyage gives the two a great opportunity to freewheel without rhythm mates. In addition, there's the sweet ballad rendition of Coltrane's classic heart-melter Central Park West and an original 12-bar ODRP Blues, Wood quoting Gordon's Society Red and stretching out from there on his bridge solo. Kelly is very good throughout, a modern pianist with chops to burn and a smoldering, bluesy, quick-witted soul to match. Steve Wood is an excellent musician, with capable bandmates offering up a solid repertoire and concept. Not much more is needed in these days of the usual "same old, same old" contemporary jazz expressionism. This group has the ability to simmer and boil on command, with talent on reserve, and best heard live where the bandmembers can stretch further. Recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

1		Invitation
2		Voyage
3		ODRP Blues
4		Donna Lee
5		Weaver of Dreams
6		The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
7		Dolphin Dance
8		Comes Love
9		Central Park West

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