The Unity

On 's second recording as a leader, the New Orleans-based drummer performs with the same musicians on his first recording, his bandmates in . This time , , tenor saxophonist , pianist , and bassist perform three originals, one by , two by , and one standard. As one would expect from a working band, the music is well-played, covering a variety of styles and tempos within the idiom, with staying mostly in the background, with one notable exception being his explosive drum solo on the angular, up-tempo written by for his younger brother. Other favorites include the hard-hitting of 's and two beautiful ballads, the title track and a feature for 's trumpet. The recording ends with 's funky which owes more to '60s than to that radio-friendly music genre. This is a very good step forward in this musician's development. ~ Greg Turner