Dale Fielder, an advanced hard bop-based saxophonist, doubles on alto and tenor on this excellent set. Using his regular group of the period (trumpeter Dan Bagasoul, pianist Greg Kurstin, bassist Bill Markus and drummer Ocie Davis III, Fielder explores six of his originals, “Sometime Ago,” “But Beautiful” and Tina Brooks’ obscure “Theme for Doris.” The music is grounded in the tradition yet adventurous in spots, an excellent showcase for the L.A.-based Dale Fielder. – Scott Yanow
