Quite an unusual little record – one that appears conventional at the start, but which has a relatively modern feel overall! The group's directed by Chuck Israels – who's really stepping out from his older roles here – working almost in Mingus-like formation, as he pushes the group through a wonderful range of tones and sounds – some modern, some older – but always with a freshness and a real sense of surprise! There's a leaping, soaring energy to many tracks – kind of a later Mingus groove – and players include Arnie Lawrence and Joe Romano on saxes, Rod Levitt and Jimmy Knepper on trombones, Tom Harrell and Mike Lawrence on trumpets, Steve Brown on guitar, and Ben Aronov on piano. A soprano, Margot Hanson, sings a bit on the record – and titles include "Very Early", "Transbluency", "Every Tub", "Understanding Depression", "Blues For OP", "I Mean You", "Lady Of The Lavender Mist", and "His Master's Voice". CD