Once again the Seattle-based trio hits pay dirt with the follow-up to its first release, . Helped along by significant contributions from several guests, pianist , bassist , and drummer settle on a play list of classics and original material. Recalling the days of the 1950s and especially beyond, the kickoff tune, sets a high standard for the session with 's sax the foil against which the craggy harmonies of the trio are contrasted. The group gives ' a definitely soulful rendering, this time with the tenor of providing the spiritual center, with major efforts by ' piano and the rhapsodic pizzicato bass of . This track is small-group virtuosity at its best. skills matched with unabashed romanticism end the album with The soprano sax of veteran is the highlight of this track, as comps gently underneath. Another fine track. The group plays with an introspective style, nothing very fast (except for a hard-driving ), trivial, or shallow. Instead, deep thoughtfulness permeates each tune. This approach to the music might be classified small-club , where a combo is playing for a small but knowledgeable audience of fans, who hang on each note and who appreciate the subtle but definite presence of the interplay among those providing the music. It's a place where pieces by , , and seem to be most at home. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan