On his debut as a leader alto saxophonist, Steve Wilson is joined by Tom Williams, Mulgrew Miller, James Genus, and Carl Allen for a unusual program of one original, one standard, and seven jazz compositions, five of which are rarely, if ever, covered by other musicians: Ted Curson’s “Reava’s Waltz,” Joe Sample’s “Freedom Sound,” Eddie Harris’ “ATC,” Ron Carter’s “Last Resort,” and Bobby Timmons’ “Damned If I Know.” While no individual’s playing really stands out on this recording, and Wilson was still developing his voice on alto sax, the music is well arranged and well played. The standard “Put on a Happy Face,” played at a more relaxed tempo than usual, is transformed into a happy swinger, while Wilson’s “Ujima,” played at medium tempo, alternates between an Afro-Cuban and swing feel. A good example of modern post-bop played by a group of the music’s best young musicians. – Greg Turner
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