On pianist Rodney Kendrick’s second recording he has gathered several of his musical contemporaries and added an established star, alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe, to the mix, to perform eight Kendrick originals, and one each by bassist Tarus Mateen and pianist Randy Weston. This recording showcases Kendrick’s arranging skills as well as his compositions. He uses different combinations of musicians on most of the tracks, giving the music a great deal of variety in sound, tempo, and feel. Favorites include “Cogent,” played over a Latin-influenced groove and the up-tempo title track, both featuring Blythe’s distinctive alto sax, the medium finger popper “A Little Sweeter,” and the energetic “Mr. Bruce is Back,” based on the changes to “Evidence” and featuring Bheki Mseleku, normally a pianist, on surprisingly good tenor sax. This is a worthwhile recording from a promising musician. – Greg Turner
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