Innocent Green

Altoist Michael Hornstein’s improvising on this quartet set is obviously inspired by early Ornette Coleman. He uses Ornette’s approach on a variety of free bop originals but also plays quite soulfully and simply when the spirit moves him. Bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Billy Hart are masters at constructing a no-changes pulse while pianist Robert Do Gioia has a thoughtful but adventurous style (with touches of Keith Jarrett and Paul Bley); this is a particularly alert and intuitive group. Of Hornstein’s eight originals, “Lucy The Cat,” “Greenhorn,” “Two Cowboys In New York” and the one-chord “Chasin’ The Horn” are highlights while singer Bob Dorough makes a guest appearance on “Things In Between.” Stimulating music. – Scott Yanow