"You've heard him on Dave Binney's records (Lost Tribe, Lan Xang, Dave Binney), but here he is doing his own thing, with his own group of musicians. Donny is an incredibly skilled tenor saxophonist with a wealth of technical prowess and creativity. The teaming up of Donny with Ben Monder (check out the first solo on the record), Scott Colley (one of NYC's hottest bassists for progressive jazz), and Jim Black expresses a powerful blend of hard-hitting rock sonorities with the rhythmic and melodic language inherent in the jazz tradition. Well done!"
A great record showcasing four talented musicians.
Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 11/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Donny McCaslin [tenor saxophone] is joined here by Ben Monder [guitar], Scott Colley [bass], and Jim Black [drums]. The disc is comprised of eight McCaslin originals performed by the quartet, plus a duet on "September Song" by McCaslin and Colley. The tunes tend to be characterized by simple, catchy phrases, and rely on clever rhythmic support from Colley and Black. This is an ideal setting for this quartet, as they use these foundations to leap forward with some very energetic improvisations. Particular high points are the uptempo "Second Line Sally," and the band's beautiful cohesion on the ballad, "These Were Palaces." The music is as thoughtful and articulate as one would expect from such talented musicians; at the same time, it is very engaging, and the exchanges assure the listener that these four enjoyed making this music as much as one could enjoy listening to it."
McCaslin sizzles
Maurice Hogue | Winnipeg, MB Canada | 11/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Donny McCaslin establishes himself as a tenor saxophone artist to be reckoned with in this release. Sizzling ensemble work, blazing runs, this is one of the best tenor led quartet outings of recent memory.Jim Black displays why he is one of the top jazz drummers out there, guitarist Ben Monder is the perfect foil for McCaslin, ripping off lines, with distortion effects and harmonics that stand out. And Scott Colley, well he's Scott Colley, one of the finest bassists working today.This is highly recommended. Buy it!!"
The Future of Jazz
Fritz Renold | 07/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Donny McCaslin is becoming one of the most thought after jazz players of his generation. Faboulos music and great band playing."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
