Gerry Teekens / Max Bolleman - Four For Time (CD)

Even though this is Steve Wilson's fourth Criss Cross recording, this is his first recording featuring his working band of pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Leon Parker whose use of a stripped-down drum set of bass drum, snare drum, and one ride cymbal provides the foundation for the group's lean and cohesive sound. Wilson, who plays only alto sax on this date, contributed only two compositions, the beautiful waltz "Wish You Were Here" and the aptly titled sax-drums duo; "Groovesome Twosome"; Barth contributed two Monk-inspired medium-up swingers, "By the Window," with changes similar to "I Got Rhythm," and the angular "Up and Down"; and Parker contributed "Belief," which originally appeared on saxophonist Don Braden's Organic CD and is also the title track of Parker's second CD as a leader. This is the best version of "Belief" here, beginning with an Afro-Latin rhythm but changing into a medium shuffle … la Art Blakey. Of the two jazz classics on Four for Time they are given fresh arrangements by Wilson. On Juan Tizol's "Perdido," the melody is not even stated until after burning solos by Wilson and Barth, a brief drum solo by Parker, and a composed unison line played by Wilson and Barth, while Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody N' You" is given a Latin-influenced treatment. This is an excellent recorded document of a fine working band. ~ Greg Turner