Momentum

Coming into his own in the '80s and '90s as part of the revered Mel Lewis Orchestra (co-led by Thad Jones until 1979, then renamed the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra after Lewis' death in 1990), tenor saxophonist Ralph Lalama has recorded a handful of fine solo dates for the Dutch jazz label Criss Cross, including this, his excellent sophomore outing. Backed by a stellar band comprised of pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Bill Irwin, and drummer Kenny Washington, Lalama offers up a satisfying and straightforward hard bop set, taking in both covers and originals. Lalama's saxophone heroes are revealed here with excellent renditions of Dexter Gordon's "Rainbow People," Hank Mobley's "The Breakthrough," and Sonny Rollins' "Kids Know." Lalama also includes a cover of "Wonderful, Wonderful," following Rollins' own interpretation of the song from the saxophonist's 1957 Blue Note recording Newk's Time. The other half of the set is made up of a lengthy and inspired reading of the ballad "Detour Ahead" (immortalized by Billie Holiday in 1951), a samba take on Oscar Moore's "Beautiful Moons Ago," and a couple of impressive, Lalama-penned swingers. Throughout the disc, Lalama displays his iron tone and masterful solo conception, while both Barron and Washington make highly original contributions of their own. This fine modern-day hard bop set -- with topnotch sound -- avoids the pitfalls of jazz classicism with astute covers and plenty of personalized solo work. ~ Stephen Cook|