When ECM released Dewey Redman's The Struggle Continues in January 1982, he was busier than he had been in years. He'd spent three years recording and touring with Old and New Dreams (and a few more after). This date has Redman fronting a standard rhythm trio comprised of bassist Mark Helias, pianist Charles Eubanks, and drummer Ed Blackwell (a bandmate from the time they spent with Ornette Coleman through to Old and New Dreams, and with other Coleman alumni Cherry and Charlie Haden). Redman was versatile, as comfortable playing inside as outside, and here he does a bit of both, straying in and out of free and hard bop mode. It is one of the saxophonists most consistent and "melodic" recordings, but that doesn't mean he's any less adventurous. On his five compositions and an excellent eight-plus-minute workout on Charlie Parker's Dewey Square, Redman is at the top of his game as an improviser and as a bandleader. The session is tight, with quick changes and rhythmic twists and turns throughout. He revisits his beautiful, easy loper Joie de Vivre with something approaching Thelonious Monk's sense of time and humor. Eubanks is particularly fine here, seemingly able to anticipate both Redman and the rhythm section in every comped bar; he fills the spaces just enough. His chord voicings on this tune in particular are an utter delight, as Redman plays one of the most relaxed and yet idea rich solos of his recorded career.

1		Thren
2		Love Is
3		Turn Over Baby
4		Joie de Vivre
5		Combinations
6		Dewey Square