Brian Groder avoids one of the pitfalls that many young jazz musicians make: surrounding himself with players of the same generation. His choice of octogenarian tenor saxophonist Sam Rivers (who doubles on flute) proves that he knows what assets a veteran can bring to a recording date. This adventurous session, adding bassist Doug Mathews and drummer Anthony Cole focuses exclusively on original material, some of which are collaborations with the bandmembers. Rivers’ Eric Dolphy-like flute makes a compelling foil for the leader’s muted trumpet in “Behind the Shadows, Pts, 1 & 2.” “Tragic Magic” is a playful duet between Groder’s muted trumpet and Rivers’ dancing soprano sax. The haunting “Iota” pairs Groder’s flugelhorn with Mathews’ tense bass. There’s never a dull moment throughout this recommended CD. – Ken Dryden
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