It isn't uncommon for a musician to label-hop -- instead of recording for one company exclusively, he/she will give different albums to different independent labels. did his share of label-hopping in the '90s, and the rugged, -influenced saxophonist was still doing so in the early 2000s. Released by the Los Angeles-based in 2001, is a totally pianoless effort that finds leading mostly quartets or trios. His sidemen include, among others, on guitar, on bass, and or on drums. For this decent / outing, the main tool in 's arsenal is the tenor sax -- he plays it on six of the 11 tracks (including 's the -flavored and the overdone standard ). Meanwhile, embraces the alto sax on two selections: the introspective and an unlikely interpretation of the hit both of which demonstrate that he is as confident and big-toned on alto as he is on tenor. And plays a lyrical yet swinging flute on the three remaining selections, which range from the standard (another tune that has been done to death over the years) to the dreamy (an original). No one will accuse of being groundbreaking -- is no innovator -- but it's a noteworthy, if derivative and conventional release that fans of straight-ahead and will enjoy. ~ Alex Henderson